Scientists from the University of Sydney confirmed that the Mediterranean diet is associated with a 25% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease and death in women. Research published in the journal Heart.
The researchers noted that most clinical trials included a small number of women or did not evaluate gender-specific outcomes. In conclusion, current recommendations for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease are not different for men and women.
The scientists reviewed 190 studies and selected 16 of the highest quality. More than 700,000 women aged 18 and over participated in the research, which was mainly conducted in the United States and Europe. Vascular health was followed for an average of 12.5 years.
The results of the analysis showed that strict adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a 24% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease and a 23% reduction in the risk of death from any cause in women. Women who followed the Mediterranean diet had a 25% lower risk of coronary heart disease. There is less strong evidence to reduce the risk of stroke.
The Mediterranean diet is rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and extra virgin olive oil. It also includes moderate consumption of fish and seafood and moderate to moderate consumption of wine. Red meat, excess animal fats, and highly processed foods are almost completely eliminated from the Mediterranean diet.
Scientists believe this effect is due to the antioxidant effects of the Mediterranean diet, its benefits to the gut microbiome, and its reduction in inflammation. However, the mechanisms explaining the gender-related difference remain unclear.
Source: Gazeta
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