The results of a new study published in the British Medical Journal concluded that the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) was the most effective diet for reducing the risk of heart disease.
Our study has one key message, losing weight, regardless of the method, also improves related cardiovascular risk factors.- Gordon Guyatt, McMaster University
The research team discovered that the MedDiet was the only diet to deliver any long-term benefits and it was particularly effective in the reduction of Low-Density Lipoprotein (also known as bad cholesterol) which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The study examined the effects of 14 different diets. These included both trend-based and branded diets including Atkins, Zone, DASH, low fat, Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers.
It was discovered that in all the diets apart from the Mediterranean, most weight-loss benefits had disappeared a year after the start of the diet and the risk of heart disease had also risen.
Results revealed that most of the diets led to an average weight loss of ten pounds at the six-month mark as well as improved blood pressure. However one year on, most of the weight loss had disappeared and the risk of heart disease had returned to its pre-diet level.
The Mediterranean diet emerged as the only diet effective in retaining a moderately lowered risk of heart disease 12 months on. Co-author Gordon Guyatt, a professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Canada’s McMaster University told Olive Oil Times,
“Weight management and reducing your cardiovascular disease risk are important health factors. Most diets lead to short-term weight loss and important cardiovascular benefits, but those benefits largely disappear by 12 months. Although weight-loss was diminished, the Mediterranean diet maintained some cardiovascular benefits at 12 months.”
He said, “A number of studies report potential health benefits with a Mediterranean-style diet. The diet is known for its focus on olive oil, fruit, nuts, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. It allows for a moderate intake of fish and poultry and recommends a low intake of dairy products, red meat, processed meats, and sweets.”
Guyatt said the findings support growing literature on diets promoting weight loss and their relative cardio-protective benefits and concluded, “Our study has one key message, losing weight, regardless of the method, also improves related cardiovascular risk factors.”
Earlier this year the Mediterranean diet was named as the best overall eating plan for the third consecutive year by a panel of nutritionists, diabetes specialists, heart health and weight loss experts in the US News & World Report’s annual list of top diets.
The diet was rated as the best eating plan due to its richness in fresh fruit, vegetables and olive oil. It was also praised for being easy to follow.
More articles on: cardiovascular disease, health, Mediterranean diet
May. 11, 2023
Project Showcases the Potential of Chinese Olive Oil Sector
A cooperative in Longnan aims to foster China's olive oil culture and build value for local growers.
Jun. 22, 2023
Italy Sees Significant Growth in Culinary Tourism
The 2023 Wine and Food Tourism Report showed a 37 percent increase in food-related travel experiences.
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.
Oct. 27, 2022
Xylella Spreads Beyond Buffer Zones in Puglia
The deadly pathogen is spreading less quickly as new technologies arrive, improving monitoring capabilities.
Jul. 25, 2023
Patients Respond to Nutrition Guidance Via Telehealth, Study Shows
Intervention through telehealth can positively complement face-to-face care in sustaining dietary and lifestyle changes.
Oct. 31, 2022
New Research Finds No Link Between Diet and Reduced Dementia Risk
The study found no link between adherence to a modified Mediterranean diet and lower dementia incidence. Still, researchers indicated that diet likely remains one factor among many.
Oct. 12, 2022
Rising Production Prices Force Some Farmers in Sicily to Forgo Harvest
As the harvest season tentatively opens, some farmers have decided not to harvest, while others are working with local authorities to agree on fixed prices.
Mar. 23, 2023
Med Diet Adherence Associated with Lower Dementia Risk
A long-term, large-scale cohort study in the United Kingdom found individuals following the Mediterranean diet were at 23 percent lower risk of dementia.