Eat Plain Yogurt To Lower Diabetes Risk

Regular consumption of plain yogurt may help reduce risk of diabetes and reduce insulin resistance, say doctors.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March made the first-ever qualified health claim that eating yogurt may reduce the risk of Type-2 Diabetes.

Based on limited scientific evidence, the regulatory body said that “at least three servings of yoghurt per week may reduce the risk of T2D incidence for the general population”, revealed a study published in the journal Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews.

However, “yogurt will not cure or treat people with T2D”, said researchers from the University of Pennsylvania.

 Yogurt can manage blood sugar due to its probiotic content, which promotes gut health, say experts. The gut microbiome plays a vital role in regulating glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, essential for blood sugar management. Probiotics in yoghurt may enhance these functions, making it potentially beneficial for individuals with diabetes or at risk of it.

But not all yogurt is equal.

Some may lack probiotics or contain added sugars, reducing their health benefits. Opting for plain yogurt with live cultures and avoiding added sugars is preferred. Additionally, incorporating yoghurt into a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, coupled with regular exercise, is crucial for managing and reducing diabetes risk, dieticians say.

Besides fighting off diabetes, the presence of Lactobacillus casei, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium species in yoghurt boosts immunity, reduces obesity, and keeps the liver healthy. (IANS)