Mediterranean diet rich in nuts, oils and leafy veg slashes risk of an early death in women

Studies suggest that following a Mediterranean diet may reduce a woman’s chance of premature death by nearly a quarter.

In a study of over 700,000 women, this popular diet reduced women’s chances of dying from any cause by 23%. Researchers from Australia also highlighted a similar reduction in deaths from heart disease and stroke.

Rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, fish and olive oil, this diet has been hailed in recent years for its brain-boosting and heart-supporting benefits.

A study last week found that it may even lower the risk of developing dementia.

The Mediterranean diet is called the “gold standard” by experts. Some even proclaim it as a form of preventive medicine.

It appeared on American doctors’ radars in the 1950s when reports began to emerge of low rates of chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s and hearing loss.

Further research has revealed that the typical diet of people in this region plays a role in their health.

Since then, a growing body of research confirms the benefits of a diet rich in vegetables and healthy fats.

However, whether one gender benefits from dieting more than the other is less researched.

For their study, published in Heart, the University of Sydney team combined data from 16 studies published between 2003 and 2021.

Studies, mainly from the United States and Europe, included data from hundreds of thousands of women over the age of 18.

Their cardiovascular health status was monitored for an average of 12.5 years.

Researchers found that sticking to a Mediterranean diet lowered the risk of cardiovascular disease by 24%.

It also reduced the likelihood of death from any cause by 23%. They had a 25% lower risk of coronary heart disease and a lower chance of having a stroke.

However, it is unclear why this diet is particularly beneficial for women.

“The mechanisms that explain the gender-specific effects of the Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular disease and mortality remain unclear,” said study author Sarah Zaman, Ph.D.

“Female-specific cardiovascular risk factors, such as premature menopause, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes, or female-predominant risk factors, such as systemic lupus, may all independently increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. .

“Preventive measures such as the Mediterranean diet, which targets inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk factors, may affect women differently compared to men.”

Cardiovascular disease accounts for more than one-third of all female deaths worldwide.

However, many clinical trials and studies have included relatively small numbers of women and do not often report results by gender.

Current guidelines on how best to reduce cardiovascular disease are also gender-neutral.

This latest study calls for more gender-specific research to help guide clinical practice in heart health.