Fruit yoghurt, especially when made with soy, can help with the management of diabetes.

Yoghurt has long had a reputation is a healthy food. Now researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst reveal that it has value for those with diabetes and high blood pressure. They sampled a range of diary and soy yoghurts for components that could keep blood glucose under control.

Enzymes that are important in diabetes include alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase which modify carbohydrates. Inhibiting these, as some medications do, can help steady blood sugar. And angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) helps to constrict blood vessels and raises blood pressure. ACE inhibitors are often prescribed for high blood pressure.

In this study, the researchers tested peach, strawberry, blueberry and plain yoghurt in four different brands, one of which was soy, for their ability to block these enzymes. Blueberry soy yoghurt inhibited all three enzymes. Peach and strawberry inhibited the carbohydrate enzymes only. They also looked at the polyphenol antioxidant content of the yoghurts and found that soy yoghurts had the highest concentration, followed by blueberry. Moreover, the blueberry yoghurts were best at blocking alpha-glucosidase and this correlated with its phenol content. The findings suggest that a fruit yoghurt - especially one with blueberry and soy - might be a useful addition to your diet if you want to help manage diabetes and high blood pressure.

Source
Journal of Food Biochemistry November 2006