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Wealthy people benefit more from the benefits of Mediterranean diet
A Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil, nuts and wholegrain has long been associated with beneficial effects on the health of the heart. Researchers now found in a recent study that the health benefits of this diet could be limited to wealthy and educated people.
The scientists of the I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed institutes in Pozzilli found in their study that the health benefits of a so-called Mediterranean diet seem to be limited to wealthy and educated people. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "International Journal of Epidemiology".
A Mediterranean diet leads to various health benefits. Physicians found that people with higher incomes benefit more from the Mediterranean diet. (Image: katrinshine / fotolia.com) Researchers are examining nearly 19,000 subjects
For their study, the Italian scientists studied the data, income and educational attainment of nearly 19,000 male and female subjects. The experts were able to determine that a Mediterranean diet leads to about 60 percent lower risk of heart disease and strokes, if those affected have an increased income and improved education. Although poorer people followed a similar diet plan, the same results were not observed.
People with higher incomes move more and go to the doctor more often
There are some habits that people with higher incomes do more often compared to people with less income. These include, for example, regular exercise and routine medical examinations. In addition, people with higher incomes smoked less frequently, explain the authors of the study. The researchers also included other variables in their study, such as the marital status and the body mass index (BMI) of the subjects.
Food quality has a big impact on health
The results of the study showed that the more affluent participants consumed less meat but consumed more fish. In addition, these participants also consumed more whole grains, compared to people with lower incomes, explain the physicians. The more affluent individuals also ate a wider variety of fruits and vegetables, which provided more antioxidants and other essential nutrients, the researchers say. Food quality is as important to health as are the amounts and number of meals.
Many foods of the Mediterranean diet are not cheap
A higher income can provide access to a wider variety of foods that are typical of the Mediterranean diet, such as fruits and vegetables, the doctors say. Thus, an adequate intake of essential nutrients can be guaranteed, explains the author Giovanni de Gaetano of I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed Institute. Many of the most valuable healthy foods in a Mediterranean diet are not cheap, such as fish and high quality olive oil.
Type of preparation affects the nutritional value
Even the preparation methods of the diet differed among the participants of the study. For example, people with higher incomes and better education reported more often to prepare their vegetables in a way that preserves their nutritional value, the researchers explain.
Costs affect the quality of the diet
Healthier people, better access to a variety of different fruits and vegetables, and a full understanding of the role of lifestyle and diet in the prevention of disease are all the better. Cost and access to healthy food clearly affect the quality of a person's diet and lifestyle, say the experts.
A Mediterranean diet despite a low income?
But even people with a low income can take a Mediterranean diet. Generally, there are some advice for this:
- When it comes to the quality of the diet, the more fruits and vegetables on the plate, the better. Do not hesitate to buy different fruits and vegetables if this is on offer.
- Buy fruits and vegetables of the season. It tastes better and it is cheaper. You will rather eat fruit if it tastes delicious.
- Do not cook your vegetables too long. How long vegetables are cooked can affect nutritional value. A shorter cooking time usually leads to the least loss of nutrients.
- Buy canned goods and frozen foods. These are often more affordable than buying the same fresh product.
- They can also be used as an affordable alternative to olive oil for other vegetable oils, such as soybean oil. A Mediterranean diet also includes legumes, such as dried beans and peas, which are very affordable. (As)