A recently revised study suggested that a nutritious diet with healthy fat is more beneficial to the heart than a low-fat diet.
Spanish researchers found people suffered fewer heart attacks and strokes when following a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), supplemented with extra virgin olive oil or nuts, compared to those following a low-fat diet. The results build on observational studies that have shown an inverse relationship between adherence to the MedDiet and cardiovascular risk.
Those assigned to an energy-unrestricted Mediterranean diet, supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts, had a lower rate of major cardiovascular events than those assigned to a reduced-fat diet- Researchers
Lead author Ramón Estruch and colleagues at the Instituto de Salud Carlos III in Madrid studied 7,447 participants who ranged in age from 55 to 80 and were at a heightened risk of cardiovascular events.
They randomized the individuals to follow one of three diets: a MedDiet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil, a MedDiet supplemented with nuts and a control diet involving advice to cut back on fat intake. All three groups received dietary counseling and were evaluated for dietary adherence. The duration of the experiment was 4.8 years.
A heart attack, stroke or death from cardiovascular disease occurred in 288 participants: 96 in the MedDiet with extra virgin olive oil group, 83 in the MedDiet with nuts group and 109 in the control group.
This data translated into incidence rates of 8.1, 8.0, and 11.2 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. Rates of cardiovascular events were lower in individuals with better adherence to the MedDiet, the researchers noted.
“These results support previously reported benefits of the Mediterranean diet for cardiovascular risk reduction from a randomized trial. Our findings are also consistent with those of previous observational studies,” the authors said.
“In conclusion, in this primary prevention study involving persons at high risk for cardiovascular events, those assigned to an energy-unrestricted Mediterranean diet, supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts, had a lower rate of major cardiovascular events than those assigned to a reduced-fat diet. Our findings support a beneficial effect of the Mediterranean diet for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.”
Extra virgin olive oil and nuts are excellent sources of healthy fat. In an interview with Olive Oil Times, Haley Hughes, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with RDRx Nutrition explained the importance of this kind of fat and the nutritional factors underlying the study’s results.
“We need to increase polyunsaturated fats including olive oil, nuts, avocado and fish in our diet because they provide so many amazing health benefits. Multiple studies show how these fats coming from nutrient-dense sources support the heart, reduce blood pressure, improve brain health, encourage cell growth and promote satiety. These fats also provide antioxidants and vitamin E. Your body needs such fat to absorb and utilize certain essential vitamins, so it should be consumed daily in suggested amounts.”
The study was published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
More articles on: cardiovascular disease, health, Mediterranean diet
Aug. 10, 2023
Researchers Work to Reverse Genetic Erosion, Breed Resilient Olive Varieties
Understanding the genetic diversity of olive varieties will help farmers select the best cultivars for their climate and phytosanitary environment.
Apr. 9, 2024
Processed Foods Associated with Negative Health Outcomes, Study Finds
Consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a greater risk of more than 30 negative health outcomes.
Sep. 26, 2023
How Monovarietal Olive Oils Promote Ecological Farming, Safeguard Landscapes
Producing monovarietal extra virgin olive oil promotes endemic varieties, which require fewer phytosanitary interventions, preserve landscapes and promote biodiversity.
Mar. 21, 2024
Study Questions the Accuracy of Olive Tree Dating Methods
Using radiocarbon dating, researchers concluded a 1,100-year-old tree in Lebanon is the world’s oldest olive tree. Other experts believe the method may have been flawed.
Oct. 30, 2023
New Spray Could Protect Olive Trees from Xylella
Researchers have developed a technology that allows the inactivation of specific plant genes through a single spray application.
Jan. 3, 2024
Promoting the Role of Women in the Olive Sector
Jill Myers founded the Women in Olive Oil network to connect women across the sector while promoting their voices and highlighting their contributions.
Mar. 9, 2024
An Easier, Cheaper Method for Measuring Free Acidity
The new method requires a smartphone and fewer chemicals than the standard technique and may also be applicable to other critical analyses.
Oct. 11, 2023
How Air Pollution Affects Olive Oil Quality in California
Producers and researchers weigh in on the impact of wildfire smoke and air pollution on the local olive oil industry.