A new study published in JAMA Network has shown that following the Mediterranean diet is likely to decrease women’s risk of early death, including death due to heart disease and cancer.
The study followed over 25,000 women for an average of 25 years. The participants provided blood samples, biomarker measures, and dietary information. They were then given a Mediterranean diet score based on their dietary information that ranged from 0 to 9, with higher numbers being better. Points were awarded based on higher-than-median intake of vegetables (except potatoes), fruits, nuts, whole grains, legumes, and fish, plus lower-than-median intake of red and processed meats. Participants were also given a point for low alcohol intake. The participants were then divided into three categories based on their scores: low (0–3 points), intermediate (4–5 points), and high (6–9 points) adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Over the 25-year follow-up period, mortality due to various causes was analyzed.
The results showed that women with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet had a 23% lower risk of death from any cause compared to those with lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The women in the high-adherence group also had a lower risk of death due to heart disease and cancer. These effects were partially explained by biomarker measurements; women with higher adherence had better biomarker measurements associated with inflammation, metabolism, insulin resistance, and more. Women in this category also tended to have a lower body mass index.
The authors stated that women should pay attention to their diets if they want to live longer. The Mediterranean diet has long been recognized as beneficial for heart health and overall health, and this study further adds to that body of evidence. The Mediterranean diet is largely plant-based, with an emphasis on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and fish, and limited intake of processed foods, sugar, red meat, and alcohol.
Sources: JAMA Network, Science Daily
