In a recent study, over 25,000 healthy women in the United States were followed for up to 25 years. The researchers discovered that those who followed the Mediterranean diet had a lower risk of all-cause mortality by up to 23%. This included reduced risks of cancer and cardiovascular mortality.
The team from Brigham and Women’s Hospital delved into the potential mechanisms behind the 23% decrease in all-cause mortality risk for American women who followed the Mediterranean diet.
Although the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet have been documented in numerous studies, the current study confirmed its positive effects on mortality risk for women in the U.S.
The long-term effects of the Mediterranean diet in U.S. women are not well understood, as there is limited data on this topic. However, a new study conducted by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital followed more than 25,000 initially healthy U.S. women for up to 25 years. They found that those who had a higher intake of the Mediterranean diet had a lower risk of all-cause mortality, with a reduction of up to 23%. The benefits were also observed in cancer mortality and cardiovascular mortality. The researchers also discovered biological changes that could help explain these benefits, such as changes in biomarkers of metabolism.In a study published in JAMA, researchers found that following a Mediterranean diet could reduce the risk of death from various causes such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Senior author Samia Mora, MD, highlighted the benefits of this diet, stating that it could potentially lead to a 25% decrease in the risk of death over a 25-year period. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by its plant-based and diverse nature, making it a favorable choice for those looking to improve their overall health.The Mediterranean diet focuses on consuming a variety of healthy foods such as nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. It emphasizes the use of olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil, as the main source of fat and encourages moderate consumption of fish, poultry, dairy, eggs, and alcohol. In contrast, it promotes rare consumption of meats, sweets, and processed foods.
A recent study examined the long-term advantages of following a Mediterranean diet in a U.S. population that was part of the Women’s Health Study. The researchers also looked into the biological mechanisms that could explain the diet’s health benefits. They analyzed around 40 biomarkers that represent various biological pathways and clinical risk factors.
The most significant contributors to metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers are triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, adiposity, and insulin resistance. Other pathways, such as branched-chain amino acids, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, glycemic measures, and hypertension, have a smaller impact. This research shows that even small changes in these risk factors can have a substantial long-term impact on metabolic diseases.
The advantages of adopting a Mediterranean diet have been highlighted in a recent study. The lead author, Shafqat Ahmad, emphasized the potential of promoting healthier eating habits to decrease the overall risk of mortality. Ahmad, who is an associate professor of Epidemiology at Uppsala University Sweden and a researcher in the Center for Lipid Metabolomics and the Division of Preventive Medicine at the Brigham, pointed out the significance of this finding.
The study also revealed significant biological pathways that could help explain the risk of all-cause mortality. It is important to note, however, that the study had limitations, as it only included middle-aged and older well-educated female health professionals.The majority of the participants in the study were non-Hispanic and of white ethnicity. The study used food-frequency questionnaires and self-reported data on measurements such as height, weight, and blood pressure. However, the study’s strengths lie in its large size and lengthy follow-up period.
The authors also point out that the concept of the Mediterranean diet has become popular, leading to its adaptation in various countries and cultures.
“Medical professionals recognize the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, and our study provides insight into why this diet may be so advantageous. Public health policies should encourage the healthy dietary aspects of this diet.”The Mediterranean diet should promote healthy eating habits and discourage unhealthy choices, as stated by Mora.
