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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : October 16, 2014 11:33 AM IST
The Mediterranean diet has always been thought of as a healthy diet, but if recent findings are to be believed, then it might not help you if you suffer from metabolic syndrome. According to a recent study, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts to people with metabolic syndrome may help reverse the condition. Mediterranean diets supplemented with olive oil or nuts were not associated with a reduced incidence of metabolic syndrome compared with a low-fat diet; however, both diets were associated with a significant rate of reversion of metabolic syndrome.
Spanish researchers analyzed data from the PREDIMED randomized controlled trial, which included men and women aged 55-80 years old at high risk of heart disease. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three diets: a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil, a Mediterranean diet supple mented with nuts or a low-fat diet as the control.
In the secondary analysis, the research team found almost 64% (3707) of the participants had metabolic syndrome at the start of the study. After a median follow up period of 4.8 years people in the two Mediterranean diet groups decreased their central obesity and blood glucose levels and 958 participants (28.2%) no longer met the criteria of metabolic syndrome. (Read: 10 reasons why the Mediterranean diet is great for your health)
About 25% of adults around the world have metabolic syndrome. The syndrome exists in the presence of three or more factors such as large waist circumference, high blood pressure, low HDL-cholesterol, high levels of triglycerides and high blood sugar concentrations that can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease and death. The findings from a clinical trial published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal). (Read: Mediterranean diet linked with lower risk of heart disease)
Health benefits of Mediterranean diet
Studies have shown tremendous potential in this diet. A large percentage of total fat in Mediterranean diet is from monosaturated fat which is largely responsible in lowering the risks of cardiovascular diseases. This form of diet also keeps diabetes, blood pressure and lipid profile in check. Some research also shows it lowers the probability of getting Alzheimer s and depression in later age.
Key ingredients in the Mediterranean diet
Fruits and vegetables: The diet encourages a good helping of fruits and vegetables which provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibre and other essential nutrients. The benefits of vegetables are amplified as they are normally cooked or drizzled with olive oil.
Nuts, beans and legumes: These are good sources of healthy fats, legumes and fibre. Nuts and seeds common to the traditional diet include almonds, chickpeas, cashews, hazelnuts, sesame seeds and walnuts.
Olive oil: Cooking only in healthy fats especially olive oil and cooking all meals from scratch is a big part of this diet. Extra virgin olive oil is a highly concentrated source of monosaturated fat, a type of fat that has may health benefits. Read more about The Mediterranean diet dietician s tips to start with this healthy plan
With inputs from ANI
Photo source: Getty images
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