Mediterranean Diet and Heart Disease

The Mediterranean diet has been the subject of extensive research, particularly with regard to its potential beneficial effects in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. In particular, it is its cardioprotective effect that has contributed to its widespread recognition and establishment as one of the world’s healthiest dietary patterns.

The term “Mediterranean Diet” was first used by the famous physiologist Ansel Keyes, who designed the Seven Countries Study. The Seven Countries Study, which examined the relationship between diet and coronary heart disease and mortality from any cause, showed that Mediterranean countries, and in particular people in a region of Crete, had the lowest mortality rates from cardiovascular disease compared to the USA or Northern European countries. These findings made the Mediterranean diet, and in particular its Greek version, a dietary pattern that contributes to good cardiovascular health.

Since then, multiple – and better-designed – studies have confirmed the cardiovascular benefits of the Mediterranean diet.

A large clinical trial (PREDIMED Study) involving 7,477 middle-aged people at increased cardiovascular risk was designed to investigate the effect of the Mediterranean Diet on the occurrence of cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke and cardiovascular mortality). Subjects were divided into three groups: one received a Mediterranean-type diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil, one received a Mediterranean-type diet supplemented with nuts and the other a low-fat diet.

The results of the study showed that people who followed a Mediterranean diet with an increased intake of olive oil or nuts had lower rates of cardiovascular events, by up to 30%, compared to people who followed a low-fat diet.[1]

Also, several meta-analyses have confirmed the positive effect of the Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular health. A meta-analysis including prospective and clinical studies showed that increased adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular events and a reduced risk of mortality from these events. In particular, analysis of data from prospective studies showed a 30% reduction in the risk of morbidity and mortality, and the risk reduction was even greater, in the range of 40-45%, when the results of clinical studies were analysed.[2]

In conclusion, the Mediterranean diet has established itself as one of the most beneficial dietary patterns for heart health. Its composition, rich in antioxidants, fibre and ‘good’ fats, protects the heart and reduces our cardiovascular risk.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

[1] Estruch R, Ros E, Salas-Salvadó J, Covas MI, Corella D, Arós F, Gómez Gracia E et al. PREDIMED Study Investigators. Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease with a Mediterranean diet. NEJM 2013 368(14): 1279-1290.

[2] Grosso G, Marventano S, Yang J, Micek A, Pajak A, Scalfi L, Galvano F, Kales SN. A comprehensive meta-analysis on evidence of Mediterranean diet and cardiovascular disease: are individual components equal? Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2017 57:3218-3232. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2015.1107021.