WE'VE probably all been told since we were children to eat our veges because they are good for us and now research has uncovered another string to their ‘health bow’ showing carotenoids, the natural plant chemicals in vegies, may halve the risk of insulin resistance in adults, a major risk factor for some of the country’s biggest killers.
A study tracked the eating habits of 938 men and women over three years, and compared their intake of phytochemicals called carotenoids found in vegetables to their risk of insulin resistance.
Researchers found those who ate the most of the carotenoids B-carotene and B-cryptoxanthin (found in many vegies, such as spinach, carrots, red capsicum and pumpkin) had a 58 per cent and 49 per cent lower risk of insulin resistance respectively, compared with those who ate the least.
According to Duane Mellor, spokesperson for the Dietitians Association of Australia: “Insulin is a hormone, and is vital in helping our bodies use glucose (sugars) from the foods we eat. But when people have insulin resistance, our bodies ‘resist’ the hormone, and over time, this can lead to high blood sugar levels.
"So the more we do to help keep insulin doing its job effectively, the more we reduce our risk of type 2 diabetes, Australia’s fastest-growing chronic disease, as well our risk of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease.”
According to the researchers, the protective effect of some types of carotenoids is most likely because of their antioxidant properties.
Dr Mellor said although studies have shown that antioxidants protect against oxidative stress in the test-tube, the way they seem to stop chronic disease getting a hold in our bodies is a little subtler. “In simple terms they help our bodies deal with the stress of metabolism by making blood vessels ‘more bouncy’ and our livers more able do deal with what life throws at it.
“Vegetables are packed full of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, fibre, and these vital phytochemicals, such as carotenoids, that can protect against chronic diseases,”
This research backs up the Australian Dietary Guidelines, which recommend most Australians eat a minimum of five serves of vegetables each day.
Dr Mellor, an Accredited Practising Dietitian, points to everyday vegies that are in season over winter, such as carrots, spinach and broccoli, as excellent sources of carotenoids.
“We need to do much better to reap those long term health benefits. Only seven per cent of Australians eat the recommended five serves of vegetables each day, and eating more of them is such an easy way to help avoid devastating diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even some types of cancer.” said Dr Mellor.
The Dietitian’s Association of Australia’s top tips for fitting in more vegetables:
Get a head start in the day by adding some vegies at breakfast – try some avocado, tomato and mushrooms on toast, or add a handful of spinach or kale to your morning smoothie.
Cook at home more often. Research shows this can help Australians ‘up’ their vegetable intake by more than half a serve a day . Aim to fill half your dinner plate with vegetables, including as many colours as possible.
Bulk up dishes like soups, stews, casseroles, and pasta sauces by adding double the suggested vegetables, experimenting with vegetables such as grated carrot, zucchini, capsicum and celery. Having home-made pizza for dinner? Top with broccoli and mushrooms. Making a risotto? throw in some spinach.
Did you know legumes (like chickpeas and kidney beans) count towards your daily vegetable quota? Baked beans on toast are a quick and easy weekday lunch, and canned beans can be added to your usual sandwich or wrap fillings for a tasty and filling twist.
Snack on raw vegetables between meals. Think carrot, celery or zucchini ‘sticks’ with tasty dips like hummus or salsa. Try washing, chopping and bagging snack-size amounts on the weekend so they’re ready to grab on the go through the week.
The study was published in the Dietitians Association of Australia’s journal Nutrition & Dietetics.
