There are many studies out there about what foods are best to help ward off certain diseases, and according to some new research published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), eating fresh fruit in whole form, rather then juice form, a few times a week has a significant bearing on the development of type 2 diabetes.
The research found that those who consumed a couple of servings of blueberries, apples, and grapes a week were 23% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those who drank at least one serving of fruit juice a day. In fact, those who consumed the juice were 21% more likely to develop the disease than those who ate whole fruits.
BBC News reports that Blueberries had the biggest impact, reducing the risk by as much as 33%. Grapes and raisins reduced the risk by 19%, apples and pears reduced it by 13%, and a combination of any whole fruit reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 7%. Peaches, apricots, plums, cantaloupe, grapefruit, and oranges all had a similar effect on the body.
“The juicing process gets rid of the fruit, just leaving fluids which are absorbed more quickly, causing blood sugars and insulin levels to rise if they contain sugars,†said study author Qi Sun. “To try to minimise the risk of type-2 diabetes as much as possible it is reasonable to reduce fruit juice consumption and increase consumption of whole fruits.”
Sounds like not such great news for the juicing trend, doesn’t it? As delicious as it can be to make your own fruit and veggie juice, and still good for you, I guess we still have to chew our food to stay healthy after all. And let’s not forget that quite few packaged and bottled fruit juices these days contains a LOT of sugar.
Do you prefer to eat or drink your fruits?
Image CC licensed by Ipoh Kia
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