Yoghurt reduces the risk of Type 2 Diabetes – says FDA

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently made a health claim relating to yoghurt and reduced risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

The FDA said eating at least 2 cups of yoghurt per week may reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes according to limited scientific evidence.

Dietitian and head of corporate affairs at Danone Southern Africa, Leanne Kiezer, said this FDA finding was a milestone for the yoghurt and fermented dairy category.

“Danone’s mission is to serve health through foods to as many people as possible, and our vehicle to achieve this is dairy with live cultures.

“We always aim to educate consumers on the benefits of incorporating yoghurt into their diet and this scientific finding is a testament to one of the numerous tangible benefits of yoghurt,” said Kiezer.

She said diabetes affects 12% of the adult population, costing South Africa’s health system R2.7 billion (US$150 million).

“Additionally, according to the National Library of Medicine, South Africa has the second highest number of people living with Type 2 Diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa.

“This is a condition associated with behaviours of lifestyle, including diet and nutrition.
“South Africa is enduring a severe food crisis where countless households struggle to afford what is considered a minimum, acceptable, nutritious diet.

“Yoghurt is an accessible, nutrient-dense food which provides essential daily nutrition, live cultures to promote gut health, and is associated with decreased risk of developing chronic diseases of lifestyle such as obesity and Type 2 Diabetes,” said Kiezer.

She said to demonstrate the possibility of choosing affordable, nutritious foods, one should consider a small tub of yoghurt, which costs around R3,80 per 100g serving compared to a single serving packet of crisps, which costs around R6,00.

“Not only does the yoghurt offer a more cost-effective choice, but it also offers exponentially more value from a nutrition perspective.

“Yoghurt helps people reach their recommended daily intakes for key nutrients, especially for protein and calcium.

“Similarly, consuming live cultures from yoghurt daily helps to promote gut health, linked to a host of long-term benefits such as better digestion, stronger immunity and a reduced risk of weight gain and chronic diseases like heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes.”

According to Kiezer, regularly eating yoghurt leads to a healthier diet, a more active lifestyle, less alcohol consumption, and a lower risk of smoking.

“It all comes down to making conscious decisions that consider the nutrient density of a food choice when weighing up its value.

“With this mindset, eating healthy is accessible to everyone. Your gut, improved immunity, and overall health will thank you,” said Kiezer.

Also read: Vosloorus school on track to win yoghurt tub challenge

Also read:  Hospital to educate on diabetes