The Mediterranean Diet may benefit heart health, reports a new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
The Mediterranean diet is rich in heart-healthy fiber and nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. The diet generally includes: fruits, vegetables and unsaturated "good" fats, particularly olive oil. Olive oil has been associated with benefits such as lower blood pressure and a lower risk for heart disease.
In the new study, 7447 individuals at risk for heart disease were randomly assigned to three different diets. The diets included a Mediterranean diet with extra-virgin olive oil, a Mediterranean diet with mixed nuts or a low fat control diet. Participants filled out a food frequency questionnaire yearly and were followed for 4.8 years.
Individuals on a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts had a significantly lower risk of heart attack, stroke or death from complications than the individuals from the control diet. The overall risk for adverse heart events was 30 percent lower in the Mediterranean group compared to the control group.
Further research in this area is warranted.
For more information about the Mediterranean Diet, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness Database.
The information in this brief report is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions. Copyright © 2024 NatMed. Commercial distribution or reproduction prohibited. NatMed is the leading provider of high-quality, evidence-based, clinically-relevant information on natural medicine, dietary supplements, herbs, vitamins, minerals, functional foods, diets, complementary practices, CAM modalities, exercises and medical conditions. Monograph sections include interactions with herbs, drugs, foods and labs, contraindications, depletions, dosing, toxicology, adverse effects, pregnancy and lactation data, synonyms, safety and effectiveness.
