New research discovered the consumption of staples of the Mediterranean diet, such as whole grain breads, fruit, vegetable oil and legumes, may promote the health of the gallbladder.
The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) may have a protective effect on the gallbladder. A French study found women who most closely followed the eating plan had an 11 percent lower likelihood of undergoing the surgical removal of the gallbladder, an operation called a cholecystectomy.
“We found that higher intakes of legumes, fruit, vegetable oil, and (whole grain) bread were associated with decreased cholecystectomy risk, and a higher intake of ham was associated with higher risk of cholecystectomy,” wrote the authors in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.
See Also:Olive Oil Health Benefits
Approximately 700,000 cholecystectomies are performed in the U.S. each year, a statistic that shows it’s a very common surgery. The intervention is needed when a blockage from gallstones develops in the bile duct, which results in intense pain.
In the study led by Amelie Barre at the University of Paris Sud in Orsay, researchers examined data on 64,000 women born between 1925 and 1950. Every two years, the participants provided information on their lifestyle, health status and medical history.
During the course of 18 years, 2,778 of the women had gall bladder surgeries. Those whose diet included more whole grain breads, fruit, vegetable oil and legumes had a 13- to 27 percent lower risk of having a cholecystectomy than those whose diet included the least of these foods.
When researchers assigned MedDiet scores to the participants’ eating habits, the women with the highest scores had an 11 percent lower likelihood of having the surgery compared to the women with the lowest scores.
“I am never surprised when I see a study outcome like this one that shows an advantage of the MedDiet,” naturopathic doctor Holly Lucille of West Hollywood, California told Olive Oil Times. “The benefits are most likely due to the fact that it is low in sugars and refined foods, moderate in protein and fruits and high in fresh vegetables and healthy fats.”
A western diet — comprised of high amounts of processed meat, rice, pizza, pasta, potatoes, cake, canned fish and alcohol — wasn’t associated with an increased or decreased risk of cholecystectomies. The one food that was an exception was ham, which was linked to a higher risk.
Because the study was observational, it doesn’t prove that following the MedDiet can decrease the likelihood of gall bladder surgery or that ham can raise the risk. Moreover, since dietary information was reported only once during the study’s period, it may not accurately reflect the women’s diets that may have changed over time. Nonetheless, as the eating plan is linked to an array of health benefits, it’s not unreasonable to include gall bladder protection as one of them.
“Research links the eating plan to either prevention or reversal of conditions such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and cancer,” added Lucille. “Studies also associate it with a reduced risk for rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease and even adult acne and psoriasis.
“My thoughts on the MedDiet are that sometimes it’s not just about what the diet includes but also what it excludes. What you don’t eat is as important as what you do. The body responds amazingly when inflammatory foods like sugar, trans-fats and processed items are removed.”
More articles on: health, Mediterranean diet
Nov. 27, 2023
Mediterranean Diet Helps Slow Age-Related Physical Decline, Study Finds
New research has shown that following a reduced-calorie Mediterranean diet and increasing physical activity slows age-associated muscle loss and reduces total and visceral fat.
Jun. 8, 2023
Med Diet Benefits Similar to Walking 4,000 Steps, Study Finds
Researchers at a Boston hospital found that following the Mediterranean diet had a similar health benefit to walking 4,000 steps each day.
Nov. 27, 2023
Med Diet During Pregnancy Improves Infant Neurological Development
Two-year-olds born to mothers who followed the Mediterranean diet or stress reduction during pregnancy exhibited better scores in cognitive and social-emotional domains.
Nov. 14, 2023
Mediterranean Diet Linked to Improved Outcomes in Liver Disease Patients
Following the Mediterranean diet for one year improved the symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese patients over the age of 60.
Apr. 24, 2023
Americans Find Cost of Food Biggest Barrier to a Healthy Diet, Survey Finds
Just fifteen percent of Americans are familiar with the Mediterranean diet’s health benefits, a Cleveland Clinic survey finds.
Jul. 19, 2023
Exploring the Health Benefits of Hydroxytyrosol in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Hydroxytyrosol is among the 25 phenolic compounds found in extra virgin olive oil, playing a role in preventing noncommunicable diseases.
Sep. 6, 2023
In Australia, Mediterranean Diet Costs Less than Alternatives, Study Finds
Researchers found Australians could save 28 Australian dollars per week by following the Mediterranean diet.
Oct. 31, 2023
Med Diet Alleviates PTSD Symptoms, Study Suggests
While researchers said more work needs to be done, they believe they are closer to being able to provide dietary recommendations for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder.