Over the years, we have written a lot about the Mediterranean diet. You can read how it may help with weight control or improve pregnancy outcomes. Some studies suggest that following such a diet might ward off arthritis or psoriasis. While many adults may worry about such problems, do parents see benefits of feeding their children in this way?
Health Benefits of a Mediterranean Diet Start Early:
To find out about the effects of a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) on youngsters, investigators reviewed data from 9 randomized controlled trials (JAMA Network Open, July 3, 2024). These studies included participants aged 18 years or younger. Compared to the control group, kids following a MedDiet showed lower levels of systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Low levels of these biomarkers indicate good metabolic health.
Should Schools Emphasize Vegetables and Legumes?
The authors point out that cardiovascular disease prevention should start early in life and that diet plays a significant role in cardiometabolic health. The MedDiet eating pattern is characterized by the use of olive oil as the primary fat. It also involves lots of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seasonal fruits. Lower intake of red and processed meats, ultraprocessed foods, pastry and sweet treats is also typical of a Mediterranean Diet. The researchers encourage healthy eating habits in schools to reinforce the importance of a good diet starting at an early age.
Earlier Research Demonstrated How a Mediterranean Diet Saves Lives:
Olive oil and nuts may be the keys to a heart-healthy diet, according to a large, randomized controlled trial (New England Journal of Medicine, June 21, 2018). The PREDIMED study compared two different versions of the Mediterranean diet to a low-fat diet designed to be heart-healthy. Spanish researchers recruited roughly 7,500 volunteers at high risk for heart disease. They had either type 2 diabetes or at least three other risk factors including high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, smoking, obesity or a family history of early heart disease. Consequently, all of these people were at high risk for cardiovascular problems although none had heart disease when the study began.
The researchers randomly assigned volunteers to one of three groups. One group was told to reduce their intake of dietary fat and given advice on how to accomplish this goal. The other two groups were assigned to a Mediterranean diet. In one Mediterranean diet group, volunteers were given extra-virgin olive oil while volunteers in the other Mediterranean diet group were given mixed nuts including walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts. They were followed for approximately five years.
Fewer Deaths from Heart Attacks and Strokes:
The results were so impressive that the investigators stopped the study prematurely. Both Mediterranean-type diets reduced the risk of heart attacks, strokes or cardiovascular death by about 30 percent–an amount difficult to achieve with medication. The authors attribute this benefit largely to the olive oil and the nuts in the diets. Subjects consumed roughly 4 tablespoons of olive oil or a large handful of nuts every day. Even after eliminating more than 1500 volunteers who didn’t follow the study diet closely enough, the results still held up.
The researchers concluded that
“the results support the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.”
Are You Following a MedDiet?
Parents may be skeptical that their kids will eat anything other than pizza and pasta. Perhaps even pizza could become a gateway to a MedDiet style of eating. Pizza Margherita is one possibility. Pasta with a vegetable-based sauce including zucchini and bell peppers along with tomatoes might be another. To learn more about how to treat your heart to a Mediterranean diet, you may wish to consult The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies.
