Research from the University of Naples Federico II in Italy suggests that daily consumption of dairy products such as milk and yogurt can play a crucial role in preventing type 2 diabetes. The study found that people who drank a glass of milk a day were 10% less likely to develop the disease. Similarly, eating 100 grams of yogurt a day was linked to a 6% lower risk.

The Italian scientists' analysis was based on data from 13 scientific reviews, which included a total of 175 studies. These studies investigated the relationship between the consumption of 12 types of foods of animal origin and the development of type 2 diabetes, and milk and yogurt stood out for their beneficial effects, unlike the other foods analyzed.

Red and processed meat: a major risk

The same study found that consuming red and processed meat can significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with individuals who consumed 100 grams of red meat per day having a 22% higher risk of developing the disease. The risk rose to 30% among those who consumed 50 grams of processed meat per day.

These meats contain high levels of saturated fatty acids, cholesterol and heme iron, which can cause chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which reduces insulin sensitivity. Dr. Annalisa Giosuy, lead author of the study, highlights that dairy products contain nutrients, vitamins and bioactive compounds that can positively affect glucose metabolism, unlike red and processed meats.