Mediterranean diets greatly reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks

Many cardiovascular deaths could be prevented by a Mediterranean diet
Diet is an important factor in our health. Researchers have now confirmed that dieting in the so-called Mediterranean style reduces the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. Thus, a general change in diet could result in fewer people suffering a stroke or heart attack.

The British scientists of the recognized University of Cambridge found in their study that a Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Changing diets could prevent about 12.5 percent of UK cardiovascular deaths. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "BMC Medicine".

Some people suffer from cardiovascular disease, which can even lead to death. To avoid heart attacks and strokes, sufferers should think about a so-called Mediterranean diet. (Image: kab-vision / fotolia.com)

British study analyzes benefits of the Mediterranean diet
By eating a healthy diet we can avoid many health risks, say the authors. One study analyzed the benefits of a Mediterranean diet in the UK. The researchers wanted to find out whether such a diet can reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Mediterranean diet could save 12.5 percent of British from cardiovascular death
If the British were to comply with a Mediterranean diet, it could potentially help prevent about 12.5 percent of cardiovascular deaths in the UK, explains lead author Dr. Nita Forouhi from the Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge. Therefore, one can argue that the so-called Mediterranean cuisine lowers the heart attack risk and avoids unnecessary deaths.

What does a Mediterranean diet consist of??
Traditionally, a Mediterranean diet includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and olive oil. However, this type of diet reduces the amount of red meat consumed and instead contains moderate amounts of dairy, fish, poultry and wine. Physicians found out that even the fats are healthy in the Mediterranean diet.

Study examined 23,902 subjects
For their study, the researchers analyzed the data from 23,902 healthy British subjects. These participants were medically supervised, on average, between the ages of 12 and 17, to investigate a possible association between a Mediterranean diet and the incidence of cardiovascular disease and related deaths, the authors explain.

Is a Mediterranean diet more effective than cholesterol lowering drugs?
The results support previous studies that recognized the health benefits of eating a Mediterranean diet. In August, researchers found in another study that a diet rich in vegetables, nuts, fish and oils reduces the likelihood of premature death from heart disease by about 37 percent. It has even been suggested that such foods could be even more effective than cholesterol lowering drugs, the experts add.

Benefits of diet well documented in the area of ​​the Mediterranean
The benefits of the Mediterranean diet for cardiovascular health are well documented in Mediterranean countries. Forouhi. The new study was the first to assess the impact of the Mediterranean diet in the United Kingdom.

Changing diets had a significant impact on the population
Our findings are broadly representative of the UK's total population, say the experts. "We assume that a higher level of compliance with a Mediterranean diet would have a significant impact on the burden of cardiovascular disease," the researchers emphasize.

Diet is just one component to avoid cardiovascular disease
Promoting the introduction of a Mediterranean diet appears to be a promising component in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, say the scientists. Of course, there are other important factors, such as not smoking and respecting a healthy body weight. Also, the blood cholesterol and blood pressure should be controlled and kept at normal levels, the doctors add. (As)