More obesity news and this time it is not about suppressing our hunger with medical treatments but actually about what we feed ourselves that may be the answer to beating obesity. Researchers are investigating the effects of certain types of fibre found in particular vegetables and how they help suppress hunger.

Most will be happy to hear that the fibres in question are found in asparagus, artichoke, garlic and chicory – so nothing too vile-tasting! These fermentable carbohydrates in these vegetables activate hormones in the gut which suppress appetite. Due to their ability to produce additional sensitivity to insulin, the fermentable carbohydrates have a positive effect on glucose levels. Finding out more about how these foods affect our bodies may help us to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes according to Nicola Guess of Imperial College. The carbohydrates will be given to the participants of the study in the form of a daily supplement.

Dr. Iain Frame of Diabetes UK, states that although it is unlikely that any one preventative measure will be successful, the research being carried out at Imperial College is important and that they may result in innovative ways of preventing Type 2 diabetes.