A Mediterranean Diet

A study was conducted in Canada recently and published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that consuming a Mediterranean diet could help prevent or reverse metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is defined as having more than three risk factors for heart disease. These risk factors include obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It is noted that nearly 34 percent of adults in the US have metabolic syndrome.

The study included a group of men and women between the ages of 55-80 who were at high risk of cardiovascular disease. All of the participants were part of the PREDIMED trial, which is an ongoing study that is analyzing the benefits of a Mediterranean diet. The participants were separated into three groups; one group followed a low-fat diet, the second group followed a Mediterranean diet with nuts and the third group consumed a Mediterranean diet with olive oil.

The team found that the two groups that followed a Mediterranean diet with nuts or olive oil saw a significant reduction in blood sugar levels and obesity. In addition, 30 percent of those who followed the Mediterranean diet did not meet the criteria for metabolic syndrome by the end of the study.

According to Mayoclinic, the following foods are considered part of a Mediterranean diet:

·         Fruits and vegetables

·         Whole grains

·         Olive oil

·         Legumes (nuts, beans)

·         Fish and seafood

If you are interested in preventing metabolic syndrome, you might want to consider following a Mediterranean diet.

Have a great day.