of Mediterranean diet It’s long been known to have a variety of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and obesity, but new research has uncovered some very specific new benefits for women.
A long-term Harvard University study published in JAMA Network Open found that women who followed a heart-healthy, plant-based diet: Lower risk of death From any cause.
In a published study, the researchers attributed the reduced risk of death to improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors.
Researchers say eat more of these foods for better sleep
The study included 25,315 Healthy women Participants in the Women’s Health Study over a 25-year period from April 1993 to January 1996.
Their average age was 54.
Women who followed a heart-healthy, plant-based diet were found to have a 23% lower risk of death from any cause. (iStock)
The researchers analyzed the women’s blood samples, biomarker measurements, and self-reported dietary information from June 2018 to November 2023.
The researchers noted that previous studies have also found an association between the Mediterranean diet and longer lifespan.
Common cooking ingredient may reduce risk of death from dementia, study suggests
“Another meta-analysis of 21 cohort studies including 883,878 participants found Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet was associated with a 21% reduced risk of CVD mortality,” the researchers wrote.
What is the Mediterranean Diet?
The Mediterranean diet is a plant-based nutrition plan that mimics the local cuisine of Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Greece.
Plant-based ‘green’ Mediterranean diet boosts weight loss: study
staple food According to the Mayo Clinic website, nutrients in the diet include whole vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices.
The main source of added fat is olive oil.
Olive oil is the main source of fat in the Mediterranean diet. (iStock)
Other foods such as fish, poultry and dairy products can also be consumed in moderation.
This diet limits red meat, sweets, butter, and sugary drinks.
Mediterranean diet Health Benefits According to the Cleveland Clinic website, this treatment comes from limiting your intake of saturated fats, refined carbohydrates (including sugars) and sodium, and promoting the intake of healthy unsaturated fats, dietary fiber and antioxidants.
Experts highlight the benefits of dieting
Dr. Mark Siegel, Clinical Professor of Medicine NYU Langone Medical Center “This confirms what we already know, that the Mediterranean diet reduces mortality,” said Dr. Schneider, a Fox News medical correspondent who was not involved in the study.
Siegel also told Fox News Digital that the Mediterranean diet’s high levels of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants (polyphenols) reduce inflammation and are good for the heart.
Mediterranean diet may help reduce age-related abdominal fat and muscle loss, study finds
He adds: “The alternatives – saturated fat, salt and sugar – are bad for your heart. Risk of ObesityHigh blood pressure, diabetes, cancer — all of these increase the risk of death.”
They also noted that processed and ultra-processed foods also increase mortality rates, but are not included in the Mediterranean diet.
Key foods in the Mediterranean diet include whole vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices. (iStock)
Erin Palinski Wade, a New Jersey-based registered dietitian, also spoke with Fox News Digital about the Mediterranean diet’s longevity-boosting effects.
“One of the main reasons why the Mediterranean diet can be beneficial is General health “The biggest benefit in reducing mortality risk is the effect on visceral fat, or fat in the abdomen,” said Palinski Wade, who was not involved in the study.
Women who followed the Mediterranean diet were found to have a 23% lower risk of death from any cause.
“High levels of abdominal fat have been shown to worsen insulin resistance and increase the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and Heart disease,” she added.
According to Palinski-Wade, reducing visceral fat through dietary changes, including the eating principles of the Mediterranean diet, can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce disease risk.
“One of the main reasons why the Mediterranean diet may improve overall health and reduce the risk of mortality is its effect on visceral fat, or fat around the abdomen,” the nutritionist said. (iStock)
The diet is also rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, which can help reduce inflammation in the body, she said.
This can help reduce the risk of future illness. Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Mediterranean diet reduces signs of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain, study finds
“The Mediterranean diet also has a positive impact on blood sugar balance, mood and sleep, helping to lower stress levels and improving overall quality of life,” she added.
“Furthermore, improved mood and sleep may encourage many people to become more physically active, which may also play a major role in reducing the risk of mortality.”
The Mediterranean diet is rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that have been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body. (iStock)
The researchers acknowledged that the study had some limitations.
“The study participants were middle-aged or older, highly educated women. Medical Professionals They were primarily non-Hispanic white, which may limit the generalizability of the findings,” the researchers wrote.
Click here to sign up for our Health Newsletter
The women’s dietary intake was self-reported via questionnaire, which may have been inaccurate.
Fish, poultry and dairy products can be consumed in moderation. Limit red meat, sweets, butter and sugary drinks in your diet. (iStock)
Another limitation is that researchers only had access to blood samples provided at baseline, as follow-up samples were not collected.
Other factors include: High blood pressure and high BMI may have influenced the results.
Click here to get the FOX News app
“Future studies should explore other pathways potentially involved in the reduced mortality associated with the Mediterranean diet, as well as examine cause-specific mortality,” the researchers wrote.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Harvard researchers for comment.
For more health related articles, health.
