Eating oily fish could cut the risk of children developing diabetes. A study found that omega 3 fatty acids abundant in fish such as trout and sardines could halve the chance of pancreas damage, which is linked to childhood diabetes.

Researchers from the University of Colorado studied 1,700 youngsters judged to be genetically at risk of developing the condition. After six years, those with a diet rich in omega 3 were up to half as likely to have suffered damage to the pancreas. The researchers said in the Journal of the American Medical Association that, in time, a childhood diet rich in omega 3 could become a mainstay in preventing diabetes.

The heart benefits of whole grains such as oats and brown rice have long been known but a recent study found they can reduce the risk of other diseases too.

Chronic inflammation in body tissue is thought to contribute to illnesses including arthritis, heart disease and diabetes. In a 15 year study scientists from the University of Minnesota, USA monitored 42,000 menopausal women and found those who ate 11 or more servings of whole grains a week were one third less likely to die from an inflammatory disease. Scientists think the protective antioxidants in whole grains could account for the link, so load up on grains such as brown rice, oats, and rye.

A recent study in Diabetes Care shows that stress changes the body in a way that causes weight gain. Researchers followed 432 women for 15 years. Those who frequently felt angry, depressed or stressed were nearly twice as likely to suffer from metabolic syndrome, a condition in which the body stores fat around the waist increasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Experts say that negative emotions can trigger an elevated heart rate and higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can lead to overeating and a slower metabolism. If you would like to read more on this see my book ‘Fat around the Middle’.