 |
|
A strict Mediterranean diet can help reduce deaths from major chronic diseases
September 12, 2008Adherence to Mediterranean diet and health status: Meta-analysis
Sticking to a full Mediterranean diet provides substantial protection against major chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, according to a study published on bmj.com today.
A 'score' based on adherence to the Mediterranean diet could be used as an effective preventive tool for reducing the risk of premature death in the general population, say the authors.
The Mediterranean diet from populations bordering the Mediterranean Sea has a reputation for being a model of healthy eating and contributing to better health and quality of life. It is rich in olive oil, grains, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and fish, but low in meat, dairy products and alcohol.
Previous research on the Mediterranean diet suggests that it has a protective role in cardiovascular disease and cancer, but no study has reviewed all the available data for a possible association between sticking to the Mediterranean diet, premature death, and the occurrence of chronic diseases in the general population.
A team of researchers from the University of Florence assessed 12 international studies, which collectively included more than 1.5 million participants whose dietary habits and health were tracked for follow-up periods ranging from three to 18 years.
All the studies examined the concept of using a numerical score to estimate how much people stuck to the diet, called an 'adherence score'.
The researchers found that people who stuck strictly to a Mediterranean diet had significant improvements in their health, including a 9% drop in overall mortality, a 9% drop in mortality from cardiovascular disease, a 13% reduction in incidence of Parkinson and Alzheimer's disease, and a 6% reduction in cancer.
The researchers suggest that keeping an 'adherence score' based on "a theoretically defined Mediterranean diet could be an effective preventive tool for reducing the risk of mortality and morbidity in the general population."
The results of this study have important implications for public health, particularly for reducing the risk of premature death in the general population, conclude the authors.
The findings confirm the current guidelines and recommendations from all major scientific institutions that encourage a Mediterranean-like dietary pattern for the prevention of major chronic diseases.
BMJ-British Medical Journal
The Mediterranean diet from populations bordering the Mediterranean Sea has a reputation for being a model of healthy eating and contributing to better health and quality of life. It is rich in olive oil, grains, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and fish, but low in meat, dairy products and alcohol.
Previous research on the Mediterranean diet suggests that it has a protective role in cardiovascular disease and cancer, but no study has reviewed all the available data for a possible association between sticking to the Mediterranean diet, premature death, and the occurrence of chronic diseases in the general population.
A team of researchers from the University of Florence assessed 12 international studies, which collectively included more than 1.5 million participants whose dietary habits and health were tracked for follow-up periods ranging from three to 18 years.
All the studies examined the concept of using a numerical score to estimate how much people stuck to the diet, called an 'adherence score'.
The researchers found that people who stuck strictly to a Mediterranean diet had significant improvements in their health, including a 9% drop in overall mortality, a 9% drop in mortality from cardiovascular disease, a 13% reduction in incidence of Parkinson and Alzheimer's disease, and a 6% reduction in cancer.
The researchers suggest that keeping an 'adherence score' based on "a theoretically defined Mediterranean diet could be an effective preventive tool for reducing the risk of mortality and morbidity in the general population."
The results of this study have important implications for public health, particularly for reducing the risk of premature death in the general population, conclude the authors.
The findings confirm the current guidelines and recommendations from all major scientific institutions that encourage a Mediterranean-like dietary pattern for the prevention of major chronic diseases.
BMJ-British Medical Journal
Mediterranean Diet Current Events and Mediterranean Diet News RSSMediterranean diet associated with reduced risk of depression
Individuals who follow the Mediterranean dietary pattern -rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains and fish- appear less likely to develop depression, according to a report of the University of Navarra, published in the October issue of Archives of General Psychiatry.
Longer life linked to specific foods in Mediterranean diet
Some food groups in the Mediterranean diet are more important than others in promoting health and longer life.
Moderate drinking can reduce risks of Alzheimer's dementia and cognitive decline
Moderate drinkers often have lower risks of Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive loss, according to researchers who reviewed 44 studies. In more than half of the studies, published since the 1990s, moderate drinkers of wine, beer and liquor had lower dementia risks than nondrinkers.
Mini heart attacks lessen damage from major ones
Researchers have discovered one potential mechanism by which briefly cutting off, then restoring, blood flow to arteries prior to a heart attack lessens the damage caused, according to a study published today in the journal Cardiovascular Research.
Dark chocolate: Half a bar per week to keep at bay the risk of heart attack
Maybe gourmands are not jumping for joy. Probably they would have preferred bigger amounts to sup-port their passion. Though the news is still good for them: 6.7 grams of chocolate per day represent the ideal amount for a protective effect against inflammation and subsequent cardiovascular disease.
New studies on the Mediterranean diet confirm its effectiveness for chronic disease prevention
Scientists of the Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos (Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology) of the University of Granada (UGR, Spain) have been doing research into the positive effects of Mediterranean diet's ingredients on health.
NEJM: Low-fat diets not best for weight loss: New study by Ben-Gurion U. of the Negev
A two-year study led by researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) reveals that low-carbohydrate and Mediterranean diets may be just as safe and effective in achieving weight loss as the standard, medically prescribed low-fat diet, according to a new study published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine.
A stronger heart with flavonoids
A polyphenols-rich diet keeps the heart younger. This finding comes out from a study by the University of Grenoble in collaboration with the other Centres participating to the FLORA Project, a European Commission funded research studying the effects of flavonoids, a variety of polyphenols, on human health.
Why fish oil is good for you
It's good news that we are living longer, but bad news that the longer we live, the better our odds of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Chemical in red wine, fruits and vegetables stops cancer, heart disease, depending on the dose
The next cancer drug might come straight from the grocery store, according to new research published in the November 2007 issue of The FASEB Journal. In the study, French scientists describe how high and low doses of polyphenols have different effects. Most notably, they found that very high doses of antioxidant polyphenols shut down and prevent cancerous tumors by cutting off the formation of new blood vessels needed for tumor growth. Polyphenols are commonly found in red wine, fruits, vegetables, and green tea.
More Mediterranean Diet Current Events and Mediterranean Diet News Articles
 |
The Mediterranean Diet by Marissa Cloutier (Author), Eve Adamson (Author) |
 |
The Mediterranean Prescription: Meal Plans and Recipes to Help You Stay Slim and Healthy for the Rest of Your Life by Angelo Acquista (Primary Contributor), Laurie Anne Vandermolen (Primary Contributor) LOSE WEIGHT, STAY FIT, AND FEEL GREAT WHILE EATING SOME OF THE MOST DELICIOUS AND HEALTHIEST FOOD ON EARTH. Renowned for its dazzling beauty and delectable cuisine, the Mediterranean island of Sicily has historically one of the healthiest diets in the world. Now all the succulent flavors and myriad benefits of Sicilian cooking are yours to savor in the very first weight-loss program that will not only help you effortlessly shed unwanted pounds but will become a prescription for a lifetime of nourishing, palate-pleasing fare. Created by respected physician Dr. Angelo Acquista, who has successful counseled his patients on weight management for years, The Mediterranean Prescription starts with a two-week weight-loss stage that includes simple, delectable recipes to help you... |
 |
Mediterranean Diet Cookbook: A Delicious Alternative for Lifelong Health by Nancy Harmon Jenkins (Author) Discussing the nutritional and health benefits of Mediterranean culinary practices, this delectable cookbook presents two hundred recipes for simple traditional dishes from all over the region, all adapted for the modern American kitchen. |
 |
The New Mediterranean Diet Cookbook: A Delicious Alternative for Lifelong Health by Nancy Harmon Jenkins (Author), Marion Nestle (Foreword) Spanning the Mediterranean from Spain to France, Italy, and Greece, with side trips to Lebanon, Cyprus, and North Africa, this revised and updated edition of Nancy Harmon Jenkins’s acclaimed cookbook offers ninety-two mouthwatering new dishes plus the latest information about the nutritional benefits of one of the world’s healthiest cuisines. But best of all are the recipes—bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and sure to please everyone at your table, whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or your friends. Known for classic favorites like tabbouleh and ratatouille, flatbreads, pastas, zesty herbs, and flavorful oils pressed from succulent olives, the Mediterranean diet combines delicious taste with health-supportive ingredients as few other cuisines do. With... |
 |
The MediterrAsian Way: A Cookbook and Guide to Health, Weight Loss, and Longevity, Combining the Best Features of Mediterranean and Asian Diets and Lifestyles by Ric Watson (Author), Trudy Thelander (Author) Indulge yourself with tasty and satisfying foods like pasta dishes, stir-fries, curries, risottos, noodle dishes, and sushi, all washed down with a glass of wine or beer. Stay active but don't bother with a formal exercise regimen, and set aside time every day to relax and unwind. You may find it hard to believe, but eating and living this way can help you stay lean and healthy, substantially reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, and increase your chances of living longer. People from Mediterranean and Asian cultures have been living like this-and reaping the rewards-for more than 5,000 years. Now, in this unique cookbook and guide, Ric Watson and his wife, Trudy Thelander, demonstrate just how easy it is to realize the benefits of the MediterrAsian way-benefits that... |
 |
The Advanced Mediterranean Diet: Lose Weight, Feel Better, Live Longer by Steve Parker M.D. (Author) The author's goal is to help overweight people lose weight while eating Mediterranean-style, ultimately leading to better health and longevity. The traditional Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil, fish, judicious amounts of wine, with minimal saturated fats. Scientists in the mid-20th century found that this diet, coupled with an active lifestyle, was associated with longer life and less chronic disease. Over the last 10 years, nutrition researchers have identified which components of the Mediterranean diet, and in what amounts, lead to the observed health and longevity benefits. Dr. Steve Parker (M.D.), enhances the traditional Mediterranean diet by incorporating these latest scientific breakthroughs. The book begins with a review... |
 |
The Mediterranean Heart Diet: How It Works and How to Reap the Health Benefits, with Recipes to Get You Started by Helen V. Fisher (Author), Cynthia Thomson (Author), Helen V. Fisher (Author), Ph.D, R.D. Cynthia Thomson (Author) All about the Mediterranean Diet, from guiding principles to specific recipes, for people who want to improve their health by improving their eating habits. Most people know that a Mediterranean-style diet is "good for them," but many lack the information that determines the diet's success. The Mediterranean Heart Diet does what most doctors who recommend the diet don't: spells out which foods are "out" and which are "in," and why. Doctors recommend a Mediterranean eating style to thousands who are diagnosed each year with heart disease because it is "heart-healthy"-it promotes lower saturated-fat consumption, and helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. It is an all-purpose style of eating that also benefits those at risk of developing certain cancers and those with... |
 |
The Miami Mediterranean Diet: Lose Weight and Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease with 300 Delicious Recipes by Michael Ozner (Author) Wake up, America! Low-carb diets are potentially danggerous and there are no long-term studies proving their safety or efficacy. The Mediterranean diet has been around for thousands of years. It is safe and clinically proven to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Moreover, the Mediterranean cuisine is delicious and the ingredients needed to prepare the recipes can be found in any grocery store. Isn't this the type of diet that you want for yourself and your family? |
 |
28 Day Mediterranean Diet Plan by Ayhan (Author), Debra Grossano MS RD CDN CNE (Author) The 28 Day Mediterranean Diet Plan introduces you to a healthy and professional diet that features delicious,fast and easy-to-make recipes. Ayhan's authentic recipes have been enjoyed by thousands and are endorsed by doctors. |
 |
The Saint-Tropez Diet: The Delicious and Healthy Weight Loss Plan Presenting the Best Scientific Principles of the French and Mediterranean Omega-3 Diets by Apostolos Pappas Phd (Author), Marie-Annick Courtier (Author) “Eat chocolate, drink wine, dine on pasta, enjoy your food: it's the delightful, decadent diet that delivers real weight loss results!” It’s the age-old dilemma. Finding a diet that is easy to follow--with food you’ll actually enjoy--that provides maximum and immediate healthful benefits. You want to lose weight. You want food that is wholly tasteful and easy to prepare. And you want to feel the results of your program when you wake up every day. Through his many visits to the exotic, sensual playground of Saint-Tropez, Apostolos Pappas, Ph.D., was inspired to develop The Saint-Tropez Diet, a complete eight-week meal plan with delicious and easy-to-make French dishes from Marie-Annick Courtier and chefs from some of the most celebrated restaurants on the Cote... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |