Can Red Berries Prevent Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that causes fatigue and excessive hunger. However, red berries like raspberries and strawberries could help prevent it.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Both are serious conditions and many can be controlled by using insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. The main difference is Type 1 is present from a young age, but Type 2 occurs in later life from lack of exercise and obesity. Diabetes is a common condition and a healthy diet is essential to controlling it.
Benefits Of Red Berries
Dr Emma Derbyshire spoke about the health benefits red berries are renowned for. They contain micronutrients, fibre, anthocyanins, and polyphenols. This powerful combination is linked to the reduced risks of diabetes and heart disease.
Berry sales have trebled in a decade and 98 percent of berries are represented by British Summer Fruits. The industry body attributes the increasing awareness of health benefits to the increased sales. Citrus sales have only risen a third in the last decade, and berries have become one of the nation’s favourite snacks.
People often add berries to breakfasts and desserts. They’re purchased from supermarkets or from farms and are ideal to consume after workouts. Raspberry food flavouring has also increased in popularity, and companies such as http://www.foodieflavours.com/shop/flavours/natural-flavouring/raspberry are seeing increased sales. Part of this can be attributed to parents using the flavouring because it appeals to their children.
Berries are summer fruits, however, Dr. Derbyshire noted that due to the growing variety of berries they can be consumed throughout the year as a source of minerals and vitamins.
The chairman of British Summer Fruits spoke about the growing soft fruit industry and predicted continuing growth. More people are recognising the benefits of berries and innovation in the industry has enabled consumers to enjoy berries all year round.
People may need to consume 10 portions of fruit and vegetables a day to lower the potential of chronic diseases developing, and berries are a favourite among consumers due to their taste and versatility. The Baobab fruit can also prevent diabetes symptoms, while almonds balance blood sugar levels. Consuming more fruit leads to a healthier, longer life.