Another reason to avoid fish
A new study from Harvard links fish and omega-3 oils to type 2 diabetes. Following almost 200,000 adults for up to 18 years, researchers found that the more fish or long chain omega-3 fatty acids participants consumed, the higher their risk of developing diabetes. Those who ate fish occasionally had a modest increase in risk, but those eating fish five or more times per week had a 22 per cent increase. Prior studies have suggested that fat building up in muscle cells can lead to insulin resistance which, in turn, contributes to diabetes. Vegetarians and vegans have less fat in their cells and much less risk of developing diabetes. A low-fat vegan diet has also been shown to help people with diabetes reduce or even stop taking medication.
Kaushik et al., 2009. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, fish intake, and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 90 (3) 613-620.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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