Broccoli and cabbage help control blood sugar

New research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Australia has found evidence that cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale may help control blood sugar levelsespecially in people at risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (ECV).

PhD student Emma Connolly investigated whether eating cruciferous vegetables improved blood sugar control. compared to root vegetables and squash in non-diabetic adults with elevated blood pressure.

In a randomized controlled crossover trial, participants consumed four servings per day of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale) or root vegetables and squash (carrot, potato, pumpkin, sweet potato) with lunch and dinner meals for two weeks.

“Our participants used glucose monitors throughout the study, so we were able to measure blood sugar levels continuously during each two-week period, Connolly details. We found that when consuming cruciferous vegetables, blood sugar levels were less variable than when consuming root vegetables and pumpkins. We also observed that these participants presented milder sugar spikes after meals“.

Connolly adds that “a key goal of glycemic control, especially for people with diabetes, is to smooth out peaks and reduce the variability of sugar levels throughout the day. A stable blood sugar levelwith minimal peaks and fewer fluctuations, is associated with a better overall health and well-being“.

The author believes that further research is essential to fully understand the underlying mechanisms driving these findings, as well as to explore the broader clinical implications. “Continued research will be crucial to determine how effectively incorporate these vegetables in dietary recommendations to improve blood sugar regulation and general health control,” he adds.

It is estimated that 541 million people all over the world suffer from poor glycemic control. In this sense, Connolly points out that poor glycemic control increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and subsequent CVD, and has a social impact considerable.