According to the " American Journal of Clinical Nutrition", "Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open", and "Circulation" journals: yes, it does. A study of nearly 26,000 women found that those who followed the Mediterranean type of diet for 12 years had 25% less risk of developing cardiovascular disease after 12 years. These women had a significant decrease in stroke events and myocardial infarction (heart attacks) events. After this study, several studies followed supporting the results and so began the buzz about the "Mediterranean diet.
Some of the foods and drinks that are included in this diet include substituting olive oil for other cooking oils, margarine, and butter. When drinking alcohol substituting red wine for liquors and white wine (up to 2 glasses a day for men). Drinking lots of water. Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, grains (rice, oatmeal, etc.), breads, and potatoes. It also emphasizes minimizing your ingestion of red meats (burgers, steaks, etc.) to at less than or equal to once a month! It is believed to work by decreased inflammation, decreased blood glucose (sugar), and decreased body mass index.
So what do you think about the Mediterranean diet? Would you consider adjusting your diet the Mediterranean diet?
