Cabbage Has a Positive Effect on Blood Sugar Control

For people with diabetes, following a diet low in carbohydrates and high in fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins can reduce the risk of cardiovascular conditions and cancer, according to a new study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

The research followed over 10,000 people with diabetes from the long-running Nurse’s Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. The results found that replacing high-carbohydrate and highly processed foods with healthier options can help increase lifespan.

Over the tracked period, nearly half of the participants died, about 1,400 of them from cardiovascular diseases and 900 from cancer.

Participants who followed a low-carbohydrate diet, except for options high in animal products or refined carbohydrates, had a lower risk of death, the study found.

To achieve these benefits, Qi Sun, who lead the study, suggests avoiding sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, unhealthy proteins, and fats such as beef, red meats, and high-fat dairy products. Instead, he encourages consuming more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins for quality nutrition and better weight control.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: People with diabetes lived longer on lower carb and plant-based diet, study finds