Mediterranean Diet and Metabolic Syndrome

Mediterranean Diet May Prevent Metabolic Syndrome

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet may prevent metabolic syndrome, according to a new study.

The Mediterranean diet is based on the healthy eating habits and lifestyle of the southern Italian and Greek populations in the early 1960s. The diet is rich in fiber and nutrients, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fish, nuts and limited red meat.

In a new study, researchers conducted a comprehensive literature search for studies assessing the Mediterranean diet and its potential effects on metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is defined by a group of simultaneous conditions, including high blood pressure, high insulin levels, excess fat around the waist and high cholesterol. Fifty studies evaluating a total of 534,906 individuals were identified for inclusion.

The researchers found that adherence to a Mediterranean diet reduced the risk for metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, clinical studies indentified a reduced risk for the individual conditions involved in metabolic syndrome, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

The authors concluded that adherence to a Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and its associated individual conditions. Additional research is necessary to further evaluate these findings.

For more information about the Mediterranean diet, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness database.

References
1.Kastorini CM, Milionis HJ, Esposito K, et al. The Effect of Mediterranean Diet on Metabolic Syndrome and its Components. J Am Coll Cardiol, 2011; 57:1299-1313, doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2010.09.073.
2.Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com

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