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Mediterranean Diet Top In Heart Health Review

A new review had concluded about having a diet that are rich in vegetables and nuts called the Mediterranean diet does help to protect the heart. The study, which review 50 years of research based on an analysis of nearly 200 studies involving millions of people.

Due to the confusions about the do’s and don’ts on a diet to prevent heart attack, Dr. Sonia Anand of McMaster University in Hamilton decided to take a study on the subject matter.

The study reviewed 146 prospective cohort studies (based on past habits of participants) and 43 randomized controlled trials (where volunteers were assigned to consume a certain food) published between 1950 and 2007. It used technique developed by the late British scientist, Sir Austin Bradford Hill who established link between lung cancer and smoking. The technique placed a food or diet at the top of the list if multiple studies showed a strong link between the food or diet and better heart health.

The study concluded that only Mediterranean diet had strong evidence of lowering heart disease risk. It also concluded that trans-fatty acid, white bread, white rice, and white potatoes are more likely increases the risk of heart disease. Dr. Anand also added that colorful vegetables are better than the non-colorful ones that is why she suggested of eating colorful vegetables.

According to Dr. Anand, Mediterranean diet involved high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, non-roasted or salted nuts, legumes, cheese or yogurt, fish, and monounsaturated fats like olive oil and avocados. The good thing about the diet is that we can eat as if we are living in Greece or Italy, and try avoiding the westernize diet program like having egg and bacon for breakfast and the like.

Various institutes are delighted and supported the said research including The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, The Canadian Institute of Health, and Jean-Pierre Depres from Quebec Heart and Lung Institute.