Scientists find leafy greens normalize blood sugar levels 14:01

Scientists from Edith Cowan University in Australia found that consuming green leafy vegetables and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage) normalizes blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity. Research results published In the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (JCEM).

More than eight thousand people over the age of 25 participated in the research. In the first stage, they filled out special questionnaires to evaluate the quality of their diet. It was noted that the scientists focused on assessing the amount of green leafy vegetables (lettuce, spinach, arugula, cilantro, dill) and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage) consumed by the participants.

Researchers then took blood samples from the participants to measure blood sugar levels, serum insulin, insulin sensitivity and beta cell function. Beta cells (β cells) of the pancreas play a primary role in glucose homeostasis and insulin production for the body’s needs. The analysis was conducted in 1999-2001, and then results were updated in 2004-2005 and 2011-2012.

They found that higher vegetable consumption overall was associated with lower blood sugar levels, while an increased proportion of leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables was associated with improved insulin sensitivity and normal hormone levels.

When insulin sensitivity decreases, glucose from food cannot enter the cells and its level in the blood increases. This disturbance in carbohydrate metabolism increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, pathologies of the heart, blood vessels and some other diseases. If the cells are sensitive to insulin, its distribution in the body proceeds normally. Unclaimed glucose is not stored in the bloodstream and does not damage the walls of blood vessels.

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