Magic Diabetes Fruit?

blueberriesStudying data from three different long term studies, researchers are claiming that the consumption of certain fruits can lower a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The study looked at many different fruits, but honed in on three specific fruits: Blueberries, Grapes and Apples. Study participants who ate three servings of these fruits a week reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The only fruits associated with increasing your risk of developing diabetes were cantaloupe and strawberries.

What I don’t like about this study is that all of the research it is based on was not specifically looking at the relationship between fruit consumption and developing type 2 diabetes. Thus, there is a correlation, but not necessarily a causation effect.

So, what were the results? Here is a partial list:

  • Blueberries 25 percent reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
  • Apples 11 percent reduced risk.
  • Grapes 5 percent reduced risk.

While these results were published on the prestigious British Medical Journal, even the authors are quick to note that the findings do not “prove” that there is a magic fruit that will keep you from getting diabetes. I often wonder why they publish these studies in the first place. To read the raw data, check out the
British Medical Journal Abstract.