Dried Fruits May Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk by Up to 60.8%, Study Finds

**Islamabad:** A new study has revealed that higher consumption of dried fruits is linked to a significant reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

According to research published in *BMC Nutrition and Metabolism*, increasing daily intake of dried fruits by just 1.3 portions may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by as much as 60.8 percent.

The study analyzed the consumption of dried plums, dried apricots, and raisins. Researchers noted that dried fruits are rich in both macro- and micronutrients, and contain high levels of dietary fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and improves digestion.

In addition, dried fruits contain flavonoids, compounds associated with improved insulin sensitivity and anti-inflammatory properties, both of which play an important role in reducing diabetes risk.

The research was based on data from a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) obtained from the UK Biobank, involving nearly half a million participants. Out of these, 421,764 individuals completed questionnaires detailing their daily intake of dried fruits.

For the purpose of the study, one portion was defined as one dried plum, one dried apricot, or ten raisins.

The findings highlight the potential role of dried fruits as a simple and natural dietary addition to help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.