Cardiovascular risk factors improved more on the Mediterranean diet.
How do two healthy diets compare? In this 3-month study, researchers in Spain randomized 772 asymptomatic adults (age range, 55–80) with diabetes or at least three cardiovascular risk factors to follow one of three diets: a low-fat diet, a Mediterranean diet that included 1 L of virgin olive oil weekly, or a Mediterranean diet that included 30 g of walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds daily. Those on the Mediterranean diets received free oil or nuts and were told to increase their consumption of vegetable fats and oils. All participants received 30 minutes of dietary advice.
After 3 months, compared with the low-fat diet, each of the Mediterranean diets was associated with significantly lower mean blood pressure (systolic, 6–7 mm Hg; diastolic, 2–3 mm Hg), fasting glucose level (5–7 mg/dL), and total-to-HDL cholesterol ratio. Weight loss was similar among the three groups.
Comment: In this short-term study, researchers could not address clinical outcomes. However, in terms of effects on cardiovascular risk factors, the Mediterranean diets appeared to be better than a widely recommended low-fat diet.
— Richard Saitz, MD, MPH, FACP, FASAM
Citation(s):
Estruch R et al. Effects of a Mediterranean-style diet on cardiovascular risk factors: A randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 2006 Jul 4; 145:1-11.