A meat-based diet containing too much acid increases diabetes risk, research has shown.
Scientists who studied a group of 66,485 women found that those with the most acidic diets were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Typically, acidic foods consist of animal products, the scientists point out. On the other hand, fruits and vegetables help to neutralise acidity - even fruits such as lemons that are widely perceived as acidic.
Chronic acidosis - a condition caused by increased acidity in the blood and body tissues - reduces insulin sensitivity, the ability of the hormone insulin to regulate blood sugar.
The women were taking part in a major European study looking at cancer and nutrition.
