Mediterranean diet again received great attention because of their impact on heart disease and stroke. Consumption of nuts and olive oil in the Mediterranean diet is very effective at keeping the heart healthy.
A study involving more than 7000 people are susceptible to heart disease and stroke gives good results. Proven Mediterranean diet is more effective in lowering the risk of their disease compared with the low-carb diet.
The study, published online in The New England Journal of Medicine, involved a group of women and men aged 55 to 80 years. They were randomly assigned to undergo low-carb diet or one of two variations of the Mediterranean diet: One group ate a diet rich in extra-virgin olive oil (more than 60 ml per day) and other eating nuts (more than 29 ml of walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts per day).
Mediterranean diet recommends eating more fresh vegetables, olive oil, fish, grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables. In addition, it is recommended to reduce the consumption of dairy products and processed foods.
The study, funded by the Spanish government is to make sure each group of participants to get regular exercise sessions. The researchers also examined the amount of consumption of olive oil and nuts with laboratory tests. One thing that is not limited by the researchers is the target number of calories or exercise session.
The study was stopped early after the participants monitored the pattern of food for 4.8 years. Because the benefits of the Mediterranean diet has been evident. Overall, people who consume a diet rich in olive oil and nuts have a 30 percent lower risk of heart attack and stroke.
Mediterranean diet to lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing protection against the good cholesterol. It also helps the body's ability to process sugar into the body.
Most of the previous participants consume a lot of drugs for cholesterol and high blood pressure. The researchers did not change the treatment, but as a first step to prevent heart problems, a healthy diet is better than drugs. Because it has fewer side effects, said study leader Dr. Ramon Estruch of the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona, Spain on Fox News (02/26/2013).
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