Plant-Based Diets Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Adherence to a healthful, plant-based diet of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes prevents type 2 diabetes, according to a review published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Researchers reviewed nine studies on plant-based diet adherence and type 2 diabetes incidence rates. Results showed an inverse association between consumption of a plant-based diet and risk of diabetes when compared to low adherence to the diet. These associations appeared stronger when studies defined plant-based diets as containing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes, which help provide protective nutrients and antioxidants and avoid high-cholesterol and high-fat products associated with inflammation and weight gain.