It has been confirmed
that in the United States, cardiovascular disease and stroke are the lead
causes of disability and death. The
statistics of death and disability caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke
are continuously and significantly increasing on a global scale.
A study performed on cholesterol levels was conducted by Brown and Goldstein. Their study concluded that since “…the influence of plasma cholesterol levels on the atherosclerotic process, there has been a public health focus on the effects of altering cholesterol levels by diet and other lifestyle behaviors on the progression and development of cardiovascular disease (Robertson).”
A study performed on cholesterol levels was conducted by Brown and Goldstein. Their study concluded that since “…the influence of plasma cholesterol levels on the atherosclerotic process, there has been a public health focus on the effects of altering cholesterol levels by diet and other lifestyle behaviors on the progression and development of cardiovascular disease (Robertson).”
Randomized clinical trials
and epidemiological studies were conducted to gather conclusive data. The data concluded, “that a substantial number
of cases of coronary heart disease can be prevented by appropriate interventions
(Robertson).” These interventions
include medications used to lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, lifestyle
modifications, control of risk factors, and dietary interventions. Interventions, as specified, are all
important mechanisms of treatment and the prevention of cardiovascular disease
and stroke.
Actions to intervene
dietary intervention has been taken by the American Heart Association
(AHA). AHA created diets Step I and II. These diets consist of reducing proportions
of calories obtained through fat as well as increasing the consumption of whole
grain foods, fruits, and vegetables. Although these dietary interventions have been
proven useful, it has been calculated that a more direr intervention needs to
occur due to the excessive increase in cardiovascular disease worldwide.
The AHA has issued a
scientific advisory on the noticeable effects on cardiovascular disease by the Mediterranean-style
diet. This scientific advisory was
announced due to the conclusions and examinations conducted by the Lyon Diet
Heart Study. The Lyon Diet Heart Study
was conducted for 46 months. The study
contained 204 control patients and 219 intervention patients. All of the patients, control and
intervention, all obtained similar health risk factor profiles. The Lyon Diet Heart study concluded that the
patients being exposed to an intervention had a 50-70% decrease of cardiac end
points. The difference in percentage
between the controls and interventions were significantly high. Thus it was concluded that, “the Lyon Diet Heart
Study, although conducted in a relatively small population, provides
interesting and potentially significant enhancements to the dietary management
currently provided by the AHA Step I and II diets (Robertson).”
As the Mediterranean-style and Step I and II
diets were compared during the Lyon Diet Hear Study, it was found that both
diets are centered around similar cores.
Although their foundations are similar, the Mediterranean-style diet was
found to be more beneficial. The benefit
of the Mediterranean-style diet includes the requirement of specific forms and
types of fat-containing foods and oils.
Also the omega-3 fatty acids, as well as their antithrombotic effects
are now considered of utmost importance in the Mediterranean-style diet.
Thus the conclusions of the Lyon Diet Heart Study
have resulted in significant findings.
The study has proven to, “…provide substantially enhanced methods of
reducing coronary heart disease and its risk (Robertson).” The Lyon Diet Heart Study has also concluded
that the Mediterranean-style diet does not only decrease cardiovascular
disease, but it also has beneficial effects on the decrease in the rate of
progression of atherosclerosis as well as other health related benefits.
Read the editorial here.
And download the original paper here.
Robertson, Rose Marie, MD, and Lynn Smaha, MD, PhD. "Can a Mediterranean-style Diet Reduce Heart Disease?" Circulation. American Heart Association, 2016. Web.
The Mediterranean Diet has become increasingly more popular not only because of the health benefits you discussed, but also because it is so doable. Many diets require ridiculous sacrifices that are beyond unrealistic and end up failing as a result. The Mediterranean Diet incorporates so many options, allowing for a variety of flavor combinations creating a diet people can actually enjoy. Don't you think eating right needs to be enjoyable? I believe people won't be able to commit to a healthy lifestyle if it isn't enjoyable, especially long term.
ReplyDeleteI think in order for someone to stay committed to eating healthy it is very important to enjoy what you are eating. People become misguided and stop dieting when the food they need to eat is bland and boring. We need to keep or diets fun and fresh as well as healthy.
DeleteLike you said, diets that are bland and boring are bound to fail. Variety within food groups is key to making a diet not only flavorful, but healthy as well.
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ReplyDeleteTruthfully I have never heard of the Mediterranean diet before Nutrition, and I am now completely intrigued. The one thing I have noticed that differentiates this diet from others is its focus on olive oil. Since switching to the Mediterranean diet is more of a lifestyle change rather than a quick two week cleanse, I'm wondering if simply increasing olive oil intake in your diet would still help decrease CVD and other diseases.
ReplyDeleteThe importance of olive oil in the Mediterranean diet embodies its significance. I've been around this type of diet a majority of my life in coordination with Middle Eastern cuisine and the sheer variety provides various vitamins and minerals that are necessary for our nutritional diets. The more diverse the diet, the more likely one is able to commit to it because of it feeling less like a regiment and I think that plays a role in our thinking of 'diets' in general. Overall excellent read!
ReplyDeleteI found it very interesting to learn about the Mediterranean Diet in class and reading this article is helpful to reiterate its positive impact. I have never heard of this diet until taking nutrition. I think that the Lyon Heart Study was great research that shows the impact it has on decreasing risk of heart disease as well as the progression of atherosclerosis. It is amazing how changing our diet can help us to improve our health and lifestyle to live longer and healthier lives.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I would enjoy a Mediterranean diet. While I do like eating a lot of red meat, I do enjoy olive oil and other types of fats. I know I like eating Mediterranean salads and other dishes so maybe I could try it out especially when it reduced Cardiovascular diseases and strokes.
ReplyDeletePersonally I love eating Mediterranean food, it is very delicious and satisfying. One of my roommates was from the Middle East and when I went to her house for dinner,I had a fabulous Mediterranean meal! Boy was it wonderful. I'm glad to hear that the Mediterranean diet which involves using olive oil helps decrease cardiovascular disease, and decreases the progression of atherosclerosis. I think that if this diet was incorporated more into peoples diets her in the United States then there would be less CVD and that would be phenomenal.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoying eating Mediterranean food because of the different spices and flavors and the emphasis on fresh vegetables. My mentor and I usually go to King David and other Mediterranean restaurants to hang out and talk. I think it has best vegetarians. In our lecture class we discussed how this diet reduces the risk of heart disease by 30%. As Dr. Voura noted this diet has healthier fats and more nutritious foods and less read meats and cakes compared to the fast food American diet. Also with Mediterranean meals, it family gathering and long meals not the typical on the go foods that are rushed out and consumed very fast. I like variety of options that this diet offers and as some people have already noted this makes it more successful compared with diets with less options and flavors.
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