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Mediterranean diet good for heart
Orlando, Nov 10: A `Mediterranean diet` rich in olive oil and lean on meat reduced signs of inflammation that raise the risk of heart disease, researchers reported Sunday.
Orlando, Nov 10: A "Mediterranean diet" rich in olive oil and lean on meat reduced signs of inflammation that raise the risk of heart disease, researchers reported Sunday.
The finding was among the newest evidence, presented at an annual meeting of the American Heart Association (news - web sites), that diets low in fat and rich in fruits and vegetables may prevent heart disease - the leading killer of Americans.
A Mediterranean diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish and olive oil, and very little meat, and has been linked to lower heart disease rates.
In the new study, researchers tracked the eating habits of about 3,000 men and women in Greece, aged 18 to 89, who did not have cardiovascular disease.
The closer people adhered to the Mediterranean diet, the lower their levels of various measures of inflammation, which recent research shows plays a major role in development of heart disease.
Some have speculated that other factors, such as exercise and stress levels of Mediterranean countries, may account for the heart benefits.
A Mediterranean diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish and olive oil, and very little meat, and has been linked to lower heart disease rates.
In the new study, researchers tracked the eating habits of about 3,000 men and women in Greece, aged 18 to 89, who did not have cardiovascular disease.
The closer people adhered to the Mediterranean diet, the lower their levels of various measures of inflammation, which recent research shows plays a major role in development of heart disease.
Some have speculated that other factors, such as exercise and stress levels of Mediterranean countries, may account for the heart benefits.