RD Resources for Consumers: Health Effects of Soy

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

RD Resources for Consumers: Health Effects of Soy RD Resources for Consumers: Health Effects of Soy Soyfoods are the only commonly consumed Soyfoods and Cancer foods that provide significant amounts of isoflavones. In Asia, women who eat the most soy have a lower risk of breast cancer Isoflavones, plant chemicals that are also called compared to women who eat little soy. phytochemicals, have biological activity but are not But, evidence suggests that this is true nutrients. These compounds are referred to as plant only if they also ate soy early in life. Eating soyfoods estrogens or phytoestrogens. Foods that are rich in during childhood and the teen years may protect isoflavones include Asian soyfoods like tofu, soymilk, breast tissue from cancer. Beginning soy consumption miso, and tempeh. later in life doesn’t appear to have any effect on risk of Most of these soyfoods contain about 3½ milligrams getting breast cancer. of isoflavones for every gram of protein. For example, However, women with breast cancer who eat soyfoods ½ cup of regular tofu has about 8 grams of protein and are less likely to see their cancer return and are less about 28 milligrams of isoflavones. Certain types of food likely to die from their cancer. The American Cancer processing reduce the amount of isoflavones in foods. Society states that women with breast cancer can Products such as soy-based meat analogs often have safely consume soyfoods. much lower amounts of isoflavones. Men may also benefit from eating soyfoods. In Asia, In Japan and urban areas of China, people consume men who eat the most soy have about one-half the about one to two servings of soyfoods per day. Older risk of getting prostate cancer compared to men who people whose diets are more traditional often have eat little soy. For men who have prostate cancer, soy much higher intakes than younger people. Since people may be helpful as well. One small study found that in the U.S. eat few soyfoods, their isoflavone intake is soy isoflavones reduced some of the side effects of very low. treatment for prostate cancer. Both isoflavones and the hormone estrogen bind to Soyfoods and Heart Health estrogen receptors in the breast and other tissues. There are two types of estrogen receptors in the body. Adding soy protein to diets can lower These are estrogen receptor-alpha and estrogen- blood cholesterol by as much as receptor-beta. Estrogen binds equally to both types, four percent. When soy is consumed but isoflavones prefer estrogen receptor-beta. In tissues in place of meat and other foods that have mostly estrogen-receptor alpha, estrogen has high in saturated fat, it reduces biological effects, but isoflavones may not. This means cholesterol even more. In older women, the isoflavones that isoflavones don’t always act like estrogen. The in soyfoods may improve the health of the arteries, effect of isoflavones likely depends in part on the type making them more flexible. of estrogen receptors in different tissues. RD Resources for Consumers: Health Effects of Soy Safety of Soyfoods Isoflavone Content of Selected Foods Human studies support Food Total Isoflavone the safety of both Content (mg) isoflavone supplements Soybeans, mature, ½ cup, cooked 47 and soyfoods. Isoflavones Tofu, silken, ½ cup 31.2* have no effect on Tofu, regular, ½ cup 29.7* estrogen levels in women Edamame (green soybeans), 28 or testosterone levels in ½ cup, cooked men. Clinical studies show Soymilk, 8 oz 23* they also have no effect Soy imitation chicken, 3 oz 13.2* on sperm or semen. Soy hotdog, 2 oz 9.7* Soyfoods have no effect on thyroid function in Soy cheese, 1 oz 8.8* people with normal thyroids. However, for those Soy veggie burger, 3 oz 8.4* who take thyroid pills, changes in soyfood intake Soy oil, 1 tbsp 0 may require changes in the amount of medicine needed. Your doctor can make these adjustments. * isoflavone content varies according to brand Soy infant formula has been used by more than 20 million Americans over the past five decades. Evidence clearly shows that it produces normal Soyfoods and Bone Health growth and development. In recent years the high In older Asian women, eating more soy isoflavone content of soy has made soy infant is linked to lower rates of bone fracture. formula controversial. However, the position of The same results have not been seen the American Academy of Pediatrics is that there is in studies among western women little concern about its safety. where researchers fed large amounts of isoflavones to postmenopausal women. This may be another case Optimal Soyfood Intake where lifelong soyfood intake is helpful but taking Average soyfood intake among Japanese adults supplements or eating soyfoods as an adult is not. ranges from about 1 to 2 servings per day. This can serve as a guide for a healthy amount of soy Menopause Symptoms to consume. But some studies show that disease The hot flashes that plague many rates are lower with greater soyfood intake, about women after menopause are rare 2-3 servings per day. Studies have not shown any in Japan. Isoflavones may be part of differences between the health effects of organic the reason for this. Results of more soyfoods versus those that are conventionally than 50 studies conducted mostly in grown. Western countries show that isoflavone supplements can reduce both the number and severity For More Information of hot flashes by about 50 percent. About two to three Soy: What’s the Harm by Jack Norris, RD servings of soyfoods per day may be helpful. http://www.veganhealth.org/articles/soy_wth RD Resources are a project of the Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group. More topics available at www.VegetarianNutrition.net. Professional resources also available for members at www.VNDPG.org. © 2015 by VN DPG. Written by: Virginia Messina, MPH, RD Expires January 2020..
Recommended publications
  • Review of the China Study
    FACT SHEET REVIEW OF THE CHINA STUDY By Team, General Conference Nutrition Council In 1905 Ellen White described the diet our Creator chose for us as a balanced plant-based diet including foods such as grains, fruit and vegetables, and nuts (1). Such a diet provides physical and mental vigor and endurance. She also recognized that such a diet may need to be adjusted according to the season, the climate, occupation, individual tolerance, and what foods are locally available (2). The General Conference Nutrition Council (GCNC) therefore recommends the consumption of a balanced vegetarian diet consisting of a rich variety of plant-based foods. Wherever possible those should be whole foods. Thousands of peer-reviewed research papers have been published over the last seven decades validating a balanced vegetarian eating plan. With so much support for our advocacy of vegetarian nutrition we have no need to fortify our well-founded position with popular anecdotal information or flawed science just because it agrees with what we believe. The methods used to arrive at a conclusion are very important as they determine the validity of the conclusion. We must demonstrate careful, transparent integrity at every turn in formulating a sound rationale to support our health message. It is with this in mind that we have carefully reviewed the book, The China Study (3). This book, published in 2004, was written by T. Colin Campbell, PhD, an emeritus professor of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University and the author of over 300 research papers. In it Campbell describes his personal journey to a plants-only diet.
    [Show full text]
  • T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. Thomas M. Campbell II
    "Everyone in the field of nutrition science stands on the shoulders of Dr. Campbell, who is one of the giants in the field. This is one of the most important books about nutrition ever written - reading it may save your life." - Dean Ornish, MD THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF NUTRITION EVER CONDUCTED --THE-- STARTLING IMPLICATIONS FOR DIET, WEIGHT Loss AND LONG-TERM HEALTH T. COLIN CAMPBELL, PHD AND THOMAS M. CAMPBELL II FOREWORD BY JOHN ROBBINS, AUTHOR, DIET FOR A NEW AMERICA PRAISE FOR THE CHINA STUDY "The China Study gives critical, life-saving nutritional information for ev­ ery health-seeker in America. But it is much more; Dr. Campbell's expose of the research and medical establishment makes this book a fascinating read and one that could change the future for all of us. Every health care provider and researcher in the world must read it." -JOEl FUHRMAN, M.D. Author of the Best-Selling Book, Eat To Live . ', "Backed by well-documented, peer-reviewed studies and overwhelming statistics the case for a vegetarian diet as a foundation for a healthy life­ t style has never been stronger." -BRADLY SAUL, OrganicAthlete.com "The China Study is the most important book on nutrition and health to come out in the last seventy-five years. Everyone should read it, and it should be the model for all nutrition programs taught at universities, The reading is engrossing if not astounding. The science is conclusive. Dr. Campbells integrity and commitment to truthful nutrition education shine through." -DAVID KLEIN, PublisherlEditor Living Nutrition MagaZine "The China Study describes a monumental survey of diet and death rates from cancer in more than 2,400 Chinese counties and the equally monu­ mental efforts to explore its Significance and implications for nutrition and health.
    [Show full text]
  • Vegetarian Teens
    RD Resources for Consumers: Vegetarian Teens Vegetarian Meal Ideas Breakfast Teenagers represent the fastest growing segment of • Cereal with soymilk, or cow’s milk vegetarians in the United States. • Whole-wheat toast with margarine or jelly and a piece of fruit Many teens choose a vegetarian diet because of • Instant oatmeal with nuts, raisins, and soymilk or environmental and ethical concerns regarding meat cow’s milk production and consumption. With some planning, a vegetarian diet can provide you with all the nutrients you Lunch need and foods you enjoy. • Vegetable sandwich (tomatoes, peppers, onions, avocado) with or without cheese on whole-grain bread • Vegetable soup with a piece of toast Types of Vegetarians • Veggie burger or falafel with soy cheese, mushrooms, and tomato on a whole-grain bun Lacto-ovo: Includes dairy products such as milk, cheese, • Pita bread filled with veggies or peanut butter yogurt, and eggs but excludes meat, poultry, and fish. • Chili with beans and textured vegetable protein Lacto: Includes dairy products but excludes eggs and foods containing eggs as well as meat, poultry and fish. Dinner Vegan: Includes only foods of plant origin and excludes meat • Tofu stir-fry with brown rice or animal products such as milk or eggs. A vegan diet consists • Pasta with tomato sauce plus vegetables (mushrooms, of fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, seeds, and nuts. tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and onions) • Tacos or burritos filled with beans, textured vegetable protein, tofu, or tempeh Eating a Healthy Diet • Pizza with or without cheese and topped with vegetables, tofu, or meat substitute Choose a variety of foods, including whole-grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds using the Vegetarian Snacks Food Pyramid found at: • Dried fruits http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/vegetarian.html • Trail mix • Popcorn If you consume milk or dairy products, choose low-fat or fat- • Rice cakes free products.
    [Show full text]
  • The Plant-Based Diet Alice Ma, Registered Dietitian WSU Dining Services About Alice
    The Plant-Based Diet Alice Ma, Registered Dietitian WSU Dining Services About Alice Registered Dietitian From West Jordan, Utah University of Utah Grad WSU Dining Services (Pullman, WA) Overview Why eat plant-based? Nutrition on a plant-based diet Cooking techniques and recipe ideas Additional Resources Questions What does “Plant-Based Diet” mean? Various definitions “A person following a "plant based diet" eats only plant foods (or mostly plant foods).”- The Happy Herbivore “A whole-foods, plant-based diet emphasizes eating whole fruits and vegetables, consuming lots of whole grains, and staying away from (or at least minimizing) the intake of animal products and processed foods for health reasons”- The Huffington Post Similar to “vegan”, but not always interchangeable “Flexitarian” or “Reducetarian” Benefits of Eating Plant-Based/Less Meat Health Higher fiber, lower saturated fat, no cholesterol Reduce risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure Environment Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and use of resources Wallet Animals Nutrition on a Plant-Based Diet Nutrition: Protein Muscle building/maintenance Daily requirement: ~.5 g/lb of body weight. Ex: 150 lb person75 grams protein per day Adequate amounts in carefully planned plant-based diets “Protein” foods: soy, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds Whole grains Vegetables Vegetarian Nutrition Handout Nutrition: Calcium & Vitamin D Bone health Sources: Fortified non-dairy milks Tofu Leafy greens Molasses Fortified orange juice Some brands of cereals
    [Show full text]
  • Volume Xxxi, Number 6, 2020 Vegetarian Nutrition Update Volume Xxxi, Number 6, 2020 in This Issue!
    VEGETARIAN NUTRITION UpdateUpdate VOLUME XXXI, NUMBER 6, 2020 VEGETARIAN NUTRITION UPDATE VOLUME XXXI, NUMBER 6, 2020 IN THIS ISSUE! 3 Message from the Chair 4 From the Editor 4 New RD Resources 5 Virtual FNCE® 6 Diversity & Inclusion Column 7 2016 VN DPG Research Grant Recipient 9 Book Review 11 2019 DPG Research Grant Recipient 14 State Coordinator Update 14 Policy and Advocacy Leader (PAL) Update 15 Optimizing Protein Intake 17 House of Delegates Update 18 The Antitoxic Diet 20 Have you read? SUBMISSION INFORMATION We welcome submissions and articles from our members. Please contact the editor. WINTER 2021 ISSUE: November 20, 2020 SPRING 2021 ISSUE: February 17, 2021 RETURN ADDRESS INFORMATION: Deborah Murphy 2574 W. Lyndale St. #2 Chicago, IL 60647 E-MAIL: [email protected] PUBLICATION TEAM EDITOR: Deborah Murphy, MS, RDN SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION ASSISTANT EDITOR: Sahra Pak, MS, RD SUBSCRIPTION YEAR RUNS JUNE 1 - MAY 31. Individuals not eligible for Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics EDITORIAL STAFF: membership may subscribe by sending a check for $30 Linda Arpino, MA, RDN, CND, FAND payable to The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kim Pierce, MS, RD, LDN, CDCES DPG-14. Checks should be sent to: Timaree Hagenburger, MPH, RD, ACSM EP-c Parul Kharod, MS, RD, LDN Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics c/o Linda Flanagan Virginia Messina, MPH, RD 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190 REVIEWERS: Chicago, IL 60606-6995 Parul Kharod, MS, RD, LDN Catherine Conway, MS, RDN, CDN, CDCES A Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition Hollie Gelberg, PhD, RD and Dietetics. Janet Lacey, DrPH, RD, LDN Debbie Lucus, MS, RD, CDCES The viewpoints and statements herein do not necessarily reflect policies and/or official positions Reed Mangels, PhD, RD of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
    [Show full text]
  • Vegetarian Nutrition (PDF)
    Vegetarian Nutrition Many people choose to follow a vegetarian diet for a variety of different reasons. Regardless of your reason, it’s important to be aware of the potential benefits and risks of eliminating meat and/or animal products from your diet. Possible benefits: Possible risks: • Increased fruit and vegetable intake • Challenges in social situations • Decreased saturated fat intake • Nutrient deficiencies • More plant-based protein sources • Excessive dietary restrictions • Increased fiber intake • Inadequate protein resulting in loss of lean body mass • Decreased food cost • Masking symptoms of an underlying eating disorder A vegetarian diet can be a very healthy and nutrient dense diet. However, it does require responsibility, knowledge, and paying attention to ensure that you are getting all of the nutrients your body needs. Some common nutrients that may need extra attention in a vegetarian diet include: Iron A diet lacking this mineral can result in headaches, cold sensitivity, fatigue, and easy bruising. • Look for iron in dark leafy greens especially spinach, beans, soy products, nuts, dried fruit such as raisins, prunes, and apricots, and seeds including pumpkin, hemp, chia, or flaxseed meal* as well as in oatmeal and grains like quinoa and bulgur. • Cooking in a cast iron skillet will increase the iron content of any food. • Plant sources of iron are less easily absorbed. To increase this, couple iron sources with a vitamin C rich food (but not in your cast iron skillet!). Vitamin C sources include citrus fruit and fruit juices, strawberries, broccoli, sweet peppers, kiwi fruit and tomatoes. B-12 A vegan diet lacking this vitamin can cause weakness, anemia, and diarrhea and can in extreme cases ultimately lead to irreversible brain damage.
    [Show full text]
  • Vegetarian Diet: an Overview Through the Perspective of Quality of Life Domains
    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Review Vegetarian Diet: An Overview through the Perspective of Quality of Life Domains Shila Minari Hargreaves 1,*, António Raposo 2,* , Ariana Saraiva 3 and Renata Puppin Zandonadi 1 1 Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia (UnB), Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasilia, DF 70910-900, Brazil; [email protected] 2 CBIOS (Research Center for Biosciences and Health Technologies), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal 3 Department of Animal Pathology and Production, Bromatology and Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña s/n, 35413 Arucas, Spain; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] (S.M.H.); [email protected] (A.R.); Tel.: +55-61-981863262 (S.M.H.) Abstract: Vegetarianism has gained more visibility in recent years. Despite the well-described effects of a vegetarian diet on health, its influence on the quality of life of the individuals who follow it still needs to be properly investigated. Quality of life relates to a subjective perception of well-being and functionality, and encompasses four main life domains: physical, psychological, social, and environmental. The adoption of a vegetarian diet, despite being a dietary pattern, could potentially influence and be influenced by all of these domains, either positively or negatively. This review aims to present an overview of the background, conceptualization, features, and potential effects of vegetarianism in all quality of life domains. The choice of adopting a vegetarian diet could have positive outcomes, such as better physical health, positive feelings related to the adoption Citation: Hargreaves, S.M.; Raposo, of a morally correct attitude, an increased sense of belonging (to a vegetarian community), and A.; Saraiva, A.; Zandonadi, R.P.
    [Show full text]
  • Vegetarianism and Human Health
    Vegetarianism and Human Health Usha R. Palaniswamy SUMMARY. Vegetarianism dates back to a time before recorded history and, as many anthropolo- gists believe, most early humans ate primarily plant foods, being more gatherers than hunters. Human diets may be adopted for a variety of reasons, including political, esthetic, moral, environmental and economic concerns, religious beliefs, and a desire to consume a more healthy diet. A major factor influencing the vegetarianism movement in the present time is primarily associated with better health. Epidemiologic data support the association between high intake of vegetables and fruit and low risk of chronic diseases and provide evidence to the profound and long-term health benefits of a primarily vegetarian diet. Vegetables and fruit are rich sources of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber as well as biologically active nonnutrient compounds that have a complementary and often multiple mechanisms of actions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, and hypolipidemic properties, and mechanisms that stimulate the human immune system. Because of the critical link established between diet and health, consumers have begun to view food as a means of self-care for health promotion and disease prevention. Functional foods are targeted to address specific health concerns, such as high cholesterol or high blood sugar levels, to obtain a desired health benefit. Functional properties identified in a number of plant species have led to a modern day renaissance for the vegetarian movement. t is often asserted that humans are naturally vegetarian because the human body resembles plant eaters, not carnivores. However, Ihumans are omnivores, capable of eating either meat or plant foods, or general feeders, with more generalized anatomical and physi- ological traits.
    [Show full text]
  • Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Vegetarian Diets
    FROM THE ACADEMY Position Paper Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Vegetarian Diets ABSTRACT POSITION STATEMENT It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that appropriately planned It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition vegetarian, including vegan, diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide and Dietetics that appropriately planned fi vegetarian, including vegan, diets are health bene ts for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. These diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, provide health benefits in the prevention childhood, adolescence, older adulthood, and for athletes. Plant-based diets are more and treatment of certain diseases. These environmentally sustainable than diets rich in animal products because they use fewer diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, natural resources and are associated with much less environmental damage. Vegetar- childhood, adolescence, older adulthood, ians and vegans are at reduced risk of certain health conditions, including ischemic and for athletes. Plant-based diets are more heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, certain types of cancer, and obesity. Low environmentally sustainable than diets rich intake of saturated fat and high intakes of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, soy in animal products because they use fewer fi natural resources and are associated with products, nuts, and seeds (all rich in ber and phytochemicals) are characteristics of much less environmental damage. vegetarian and vegan diets that produce lower total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and better serum glucose control.
    [Show full text]
  • Nutrients of Concern for Individuals Following a Plant-Based Diet Continuing Education Content Provided By
    Special Continuing Education Supplement June 2014 The Magazine for Nutrition Professionals FREE CE COURSE Nutrients of Concern for Individuals Following a Plant-Based Diet Continuing education content provided by Includes recipes from Sweet and Spicy Vegetarian Chili page 10 www.bushbeansfoodservice.com CPE COURSE Defining Plant-Based Diets The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee says a plant- based diet emphasizes vegetables, cooked dry beans and peas, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.6 Vegans don’t eat animal products, including dairy and eggs. Vegetarians (also known as lacto-ovo vegetarians) don’t eat meat but do eat dairy and eggs; pescatarians (or pesco-vegetarians) eat fish but no other meats; and semivegetarians (or flexitarians) occasionally eat fish, poultry, or meat. Of course, many people call themselves vegetarians but follow eating patterns that diverge from these definitions. For example, some people may be nearly vegan, eating dairy and eggs only on rare occasions, and some may call themselves vegetarians but still eat small amounts of meat. Since there are many variations of a plant-based diet, it’s important for health professionals, including dietitians, to establish a person’s true eating pattern to accurately assess nutritional intake and status.7 Brief History of Plant-Based Eating While plant-based eating may appear to be a new trend, it actually dates back to ancient times. Claus Leitzmann, PhD, a retired professor from Justus Liebig Universitat in Germany, NUTRIENTS OF CONCERN spoke on the history of vegetarianism at the Sixth Interna- tional Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition in February 2013. He FOR INDIVIDUALS FOLLOWING reported that ancient cultures, including those in Egypt, China, A PLANT-BASED DIET India, Peru, and Mexico, ate a predominantly plant-based diet.
    [Show full text]
  • Vegetarian Meal Planning
    vegetarian Meal Planning A Guide for Healthy Eating Contents What is a vegetarian diet? 1 DEFINITIONS HEALTH BENEFITS OF VEGETARIAN EATING Nutrition guidelines for vegetarians 2 LACTO-VEGETARIAN or LACTO-OVO VEGETARIAN OVO-VEGETARIAN VEGAN (TOTAL VEGETARIAN) NUTRITIONAL NEEDS: Considerations for vegetarians Food sources of important nutrients 5 Protein 6 Iron 8 Calcium 9 Vitamin D 10 Zinc 11 Vitamin B-12 12 Food Groups: A Daily Guide 13 Resources for Vegetarian Meal Planning 16 What is a vegetarian diet? A vegetarian diet is based on plant foods and contains no meat, poultry, or seafood. Some vegetarians include eggs and dairy products in their diets, while others do not. Whether you are switching to a vegetarian diet or simply want to eat meatless meals more often, vegetarian eating opens up a whole new world of foods and flavors – with benefits to your health, too. Use this booklet to guide you through the ins and outs of vegetarian eating. You’ll find nutritional recommendations for different types of vegetarian diets. There’s also a list of resources to help you further explore this way of eating. DEFINITIONS • Lacto-vegetarians eat dairy products (like milk, cheese, and yogurt) but avoid eggs, meat, seafood, and poultry. • Ovo-vegetarians eat eggs but avoid dairy products, meat, seafood, and poultry. • Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat dairy products and eggs, but not meat, seafood or poultry. • Vegans (or total vegetarians) avoid eating all animal products. HEALTH BENEFITS OF VEGETARIAN EATING A healthful and nutritionally sound vegetarian diet is easy to achieve with a bit of education and planning.
    [Show full text]
  • Plant-Based Diets in Diabetes
    RDN Resources for Consumers: Plant-based Diets in Diabetes Global diabetes rates are rising rapidly, impacting over 425 Lower body weight. Obesity increases the risk for million (2017) with projections reaching as high as 629 million type 2 diabetes and just 5-10% loss of excess body by 2045.1 Plant-based diets can help prevent, manage, and in weight is associated with improved blood sugar some cases reverse Type 2 Diabetes. control in people with diabetes. Vegetarian diets are Over 100 million American adults have either diabetes or effective for both short-term (less than a year) and 5 prediabetes. Of those with prediabetes, 90% don’t know they long-term (more than a year) weight loss. have it (CDC, 2019). Diabetes incidence has tripled between Reduced saturated fat intake which can reduce 1980 and 2010.2 Diabetes is associated with multiple health insulin resistance. Intake of saturated fatty acids conditions, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and is associated with markers of insulin resistance limb amputations.2 and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. In clinical It is the position of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that trials, saturated and trans fats have been shown to vegetarians and vegans are at reduced risk of certain health cause insulin resistance, whereas mono-, poly- and 8.9 conditions, including type 2 diabetes.3 A healthy, vegetarian omega-3 fatty acids do not have an adverse effect. diet is defined by a variety of unrefined foods, including grain products such as whole grains; fruits, including berries (e.g., Planning Vegetarian Diets blueberries and raspberries); vegetables, especially legumes Carbohydrates and green leafy vegetables; and nuts and seeds.4 It’s important to choose nutrient-dense It is important to prevent and manage diabetes with diet carbohydrate choices such as fruits, vegetables, 5 and lifestyle changes.
    [Show full text]