There’s even more evidence that this diet works.
The Mediterranean diet has long been heralded by experts for its numerous health benefits, and a recent study further reinforces its advantages, revealing a 23% decrease in the likelihood of premature death among women who adhere to it.
Dr. Samia Mora, the senior author of the study and a cardiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, emphasizes the importance of diet in promoting longevity, particularly for women. She underscores the significant reduction in the risk of death over a span of more than 25 years, with notable benefits for both cancer and cardiovascular mortality, which are leading causes of death globally.
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes plant-based foods such as nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, with olive oil as the primary source of fat. It also includes moderate amounts of fish, poultry, dairy, eggs, and alcohol, while limiting intake of red meat, sugary foods, and processed items.
The study, conducted over 25 years with more than 25,000 healthy women, found that those closely adhering to the Mediterranean diet experienced a significant reduction in the risk of death. Specifically, there was a 17% lower risk of dying from heart disease and a 20% lower risk of fatal cancer among women who closely followed the diet compared to those who didn’t.
Researchers delved into metabolic factors and other potential mechanisms underlying the diet’s efficacy. They observed positive changes in biomarkers of metabolism, inflammation, insulin resistance, and more among women who adopted the Mediterranean diet.
Study lead author Shafqat Ahmad underscores the public health implications of these findings, noting that even modest changes in established risk factors can lead to substantial long-term benefits from following a Mediterranean diet. Encouraging healthier dietary habits could thus play a crucial role in reducing overall mortality risk.
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