Fruit and Vegetable Intake Reduces Blood Pressure in Diabetics

According to a new study, intake of fruit and vegetables impacts blood pressure balance in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Researchers evaluated aspects of the DASH diet on blood pressure management. The DASH diet focuses on increased fruit, vegetables, and whole grains intake; lean meats and fish; and decreased sodium intake.

The subjects included 225 adults (with an average age of 61 years) with type 2 diabetes, who had not had any dietary counseling in the previous six months. The subjects completed a three-day assessment of dietary intake. Subjects were grouped based on blood pressure measurements.

Analysis of the results showed that the individuals with increased fruit or vegetable intake had a reduced likelihood of elevated blood pressure. More specifically, 80 grams of fruit per 1,000 calories reduced the likelihood of an elevated mean blood pressure by 22 percent. Similarly, 50 grams of vegetables per 1000 calories also reduced the likelihood of an elevated blood pressure by 22 percent.

The researchers concluded that it is the fruit and vegetables component of the DASH diet that appears to be associated with reduced blood pressure values in subjects with type 2 diabetes. They go on to suggest that eating more fruit and vegetables may play a protective role against increased blood pressure values.

Reference:

de Paula TP, Steemburgo T, de Almeida JC, Dall’Alba V, Gross JL, de Azevedo MJ. The role of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet food groups in blood pressure in type 2 diabetes. Br J Nutr. 2011 Dec 6. Published Online Ahead of Print.