A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Arizona examined the impact of including eggs in plant-based diets on the diet quality of adults at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose).
It is the most common type of diabetes and is usually diagnosed in adults, although it can occur in children.
In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
This leads to high blood sugar levels, which can cause a variety of complications, including damage to the heart, blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, and eyes.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, family history, and certain medical conditions. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications, and insulin therapy.
Plant-based diets are typically recommended for people at risk as they can help reduce their cardio-metabolic risk.
However, the exclusion of certain foods like eggs may result in nutrient deficiencies.
The study tested 35 adults at risk for type 2 diabetes, who were assigned to one of two possible sequences of two treatments:
Plant-based diets with eggs and exclusively plant-based diets, with a 4-week washout period.
Participants received dietary counseling from a dietitian to exclude or include 2 eggs daily in the context of plant-based diets for a 6-week period.
The diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015) at baseline and after 6 weeks. The HEI-2015 is a measure of diet quality that assesses adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
The team found that compared to the exclusion of eggs, the inclusion of eggs in the context of plant-based diets improved the diet quality score for intake of total protein foods, seafood and plant proteins, and fatty acids.
On the other hand, the adoption of exclusively plant-based diets without eggs led to a depreciation in the overall diet quality score.
These findings suggest that including eggs in a plant-based diet may enhance the overall diet quality among people at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Eggs are a rich source of nutrients such as protein, vitamin D, and choline, which are important for maintaining good health.
It is important to note that the study was conducted on a small sample size and over a short period of time.
Therefore, further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the long-term effects of including eggs in plant-based diets.
Nonetheless, the study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of including eggs in a plant-based diet and highlights the importance of a well-balanced diet for individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes.
There are other ways to prevent type 2 diabetes, including:
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Losing weight can significantly reduce the risk of developing the condition.
Engage in regular physical activity: Regular exercise can help to maintain a healthy weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
Quit smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Quitting smoking can help to reduce the risk of developing the condition.
Limit alcohol intake: Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Limiting alcohol intake to moderate levels can help to reduce the risk.
Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Getting enough sleep and improving sleep quality can help to reduce the risk.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can affect the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels and increase the risk of developing diabetes. Learning stress-management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help to reduce the risk.
The research was published in The Journal of the American Nutrition Association and was conducted by Valentine Y Njike et al.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies that pomace olive oil could help lower blood cholesterol, and honey could help control blood sugar.
For more information about health, please see recent studies that blueberries strongly benefit people with metabolic syndrome, and results showing an anti-inflammatory diet could help prevent fatty liver disease.
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