Guys: The next time you go out for seafood, think twice before saying, "I'll have what she's having." Here's why: When it comes to the diabetes-dodging powers of seafood, new findings suggest that they may not be the same for men and women.
Gender Bender
A 15-year Chinese study found that for women, a diabetes diet that included all types of seafood helped protect them from type 2 diabetes, but for men, diabetes defense came only from eating shellfish. Further studies are needed to explore possible reasons for these gender-specific differences, but most researchers agree that it's the omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) in seafood that keep insulin—the body's blood sugar-controlling hormone—working well.
Get Hooked
Better blood sugar control is just one of many benefits of fish. Here are some major body parts it also benefits:
- Your heart.
- Your kidneys.
- Your brain.
Recipe for Better Blood Sugar
On a crisp fall day, there's nothing more delicious than a steaming bowl of stew. Try this recipe for Fisherman's Seafood Bouillabaisse.
Medically reviewed in October 2018.
