Mediterranean diet benefits people with heart disease

April 27, 2005 in Heart Health, Nutrition Topics in the News

Mediterranean diet benefits people with heart disease

In a study of over 1,300 men and women with heart disease, researchers found that adopting a Mediterranean diet resulted in a longer life expectancy.

Researchers from Greece and the U.S examined the effects of the Mediterranean diet versus other diets on men and women with heart disease. Those who ate a Mediterranean diet were nearly 30 percent less likely to die during the four year follow-up period.

A Mediterranean diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish, grains and nuts. It limits saturated fats like the ones in red meat, cheese and cream but includes plenty of healthy monounsaturated fats like those found in olive oil. It also features moderate amounts of red wine with meals.

Related research has shown that following this diet can provide a range of health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease, arthritis, cancer and age-related memory loss.

According to researchers, no single ingredient of the Mediterranean diet appeared to have the biggest impact on health. This finding suggests that the Mediterranean-style diet has a synergistic effect, in that the overall diet is more effective than the sum of its individual components.

Researchers conclude that the Mediterranean diet likely helps people live longer with heart disease by improving cholesterol and blood pressure.

All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.