Researchers found that following the Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by 25 percent. They also got some clues as to why this may be the case.
In the first randomized clinical trial in the United States on the long-term effects of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), researchers identified some of the mechanisms that underlie the eating plan’s benefits for heart health.
The most influential effects of the diet involved improved inflammation, blood sugar and body mass index (BMI).
Our study has a strong public health message that modest changes in known cardiovascular disease risk factors contribute to the long-term benefit of a Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular disease risk.- Shafqat Ahmad, lead author and research fellow at Harvard
Research on the MedDiet began in the 1950s, and since that time, evidence of its value for cardiovascular health has accumulated. In more recent years, studies have shown the eating plan may help prevent or alleviate a wide range of other ailments as well.
However, the mechanisms by which it benefits the heart have been poorly understood, so scientists recently undertook an investigation to pinpoint these factors.
See Also:Olive Oil Health BenefitsThe research published in JAMA Network Open involved an examination of data on more than 25,000 women enrolled in the Women’s Health Study. At the onset, the participants completed a detailed food questionnaire on their dietary intake. This information was used to assign them scores from one to nine based on how much their eating plan resembled the MedDiet.
The individuals were then divided into three groups: those with low-adherence scores of between one and three, those with middle-adherence scores of four and five, and those with high-adherence scores of six and greater.
Cardiovascular health of the participants was followed for 12 years. Individuals in the middle adherence category had a 23 percent lower risk, while those in the high category had a 28 percent lower risk.
To determine the “why” behind the “how” of the reduced risk, blood pressure measurements, blood test results and self-reported information on weight and height were analyzed.
The findings showed that improvements in inflammation, glucose metabolism and body mass index accounted for 27.3 to 29 percent of the risk decrease. In addition, smaller links were found to healthier blood pressure, lipids and other biomarkers. Notwithstanding these discoveries, some ways in which the MedDiet renders its heart benefits remain a mystery.
“Our study has a strong public health message that modest changes in known cardiovascular disease risk factors, particularly those relating to inflammation, glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, contribute to the long-term benefit of a Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular disease risk. This understanding may have important downstream consequences for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease,” lead author Shafqat Ahmad, a research fellow at the Brigham and at the Harvard Chan School, said in a press release.
Registered nurse Jody Bergeron of Cape Cod Healthcare in Falmouth, MA, told Olive Oil Times that characteristics of the MedDiet may have played a role in the results.
“It is well known that chronic low grade inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with cardiovascular disease, cancer and other chronic conditions,” she said.
“The MedDiet focuses on the following anti-inflammatory and nutrient dense foods: fish, vegetables, fruits, extra virgin olive oil, whole grains, nuts, and seeds,” she added. “It has a higher omega‑3 to omega‑6 fatty acid ratio, which leads to decreased inflammation. The diet’s high quantity of phytonutrients and fiber, along with its low glycemic load and low content of saturated fat, contributes to less inflammation in the body.”
More articles on: cardiovascular disease, Harvard School of Public Health, Mediterranean diet
Oct. 26, 2023
Research Shows the Role of Polyphenols in Inhibiting Cancer Metastasis
Spanish scientists investigated the role of oleocanthal and oleacein in modulating angiogenesis, which is directly related to the progression of different types of tumors.
Apr. 23, 2024
Study Reveals Therapeutic Properties of EVOO Polyphenols on Childhood Cancer
Researchers examined oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol for their potential in treating neuroblastoma, a formidable childhood cancer.
Oct. 11, 2023
Researchers Identify Olive Genes Associated with Fruit Weight
The findings could help growers select the most productive olive varieties. Next, they plan to look for genes associated with polyphenol production.
Jun. 6, 2023
Olive Oil Health Benefits for Dogs
Olive oil offers a wide range of benefits for dogs, including healthy skin, reduced inflammation, cardiovascular protection and reduced risk of diabetes.
Jan. 3, 2024
Promoting the Role of Women in the Olive Sector
Jill Myers founded the Women in Olive Oil network to connect women across the sector while promoting their voices and highlighting their contributions.
Apr. 3, 2024
Uruguay to Host Conference on Olive Oil Sector Research, Innovation
Scientists, producers and officials will meet in Uruguay in November to discuss the challenges and opportunities for South America’s olive oil sector.
Apr. 22, 2024
Olive Milling Byproducts May Improve Animal Feed
Diets including olive tree leaves and olive oil pomace did not negatively impact the health of sheep or their milk quality while decreasing methane emissions.
Dec. 5, 2023
An Olive Oil-Centered Curriculum in California Seeks to Help an Ailing County
Despite its agricultural mite, Kern County suffers from elevated levels of food insecurity, obesity and diabetes compared to the rest of the state.