The Mediterranean Diet
(3/4/13)- A long term study of the effectiveness of the Mediterranean diet was halted after only 5 years, because the results were so clear, it was considered unethical to continue and not have the results announced.
The lead researcher for the study was Dr. Ramon Estruch, a professor of medicine at the University of Barcelona. The results of the study were published on The New England Journal of Medicine's Web site.
The study concluded that about 30% of heart attacks, strokes and deaths can be prevented in people at high risk if they switch to a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, nuts beans, fish, fruits and vegetables, and even drink wine with meals.
The diet helped those following it even if they did not lose weight.
The study randomly assigned the high-risk subjects to three groups. Group one would be given a low-fat diet and counseled on how to follow it. The other two groups would be counseled to follow a Mediterranean diet. Both groups were extensively counseled on sticking to the diet. One of the Mediterranean diet groups was given extra virgin olive oil each week and was instructed to use at least 4 tablespoons a day.
The other Mediterranean diet group was given a combination of walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts and was instructed to eat about an ounce of the mix each day.
The mainstays of the diet consisted of at least three servings a day of fruits and at least two servings of vegetables a day.
Both groups were to eat fish at least three times a week and legumes, which include beans, peas and lentils at least three times a week also. They were to eat white meat instead of red meat, and if they wanted to, consume wine with the meal at least 7 times a week.
Dr. Estruch said he thought the effect of the Mediterranean diet was due to the entire package, not just the olive oil or the nuts.
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Allan Rubin
posted March 4, 2013
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