eMedicineLive

Consuming a diet rich in fish, vegetables, legumes and moderate amount of alcohol has been known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. A diet consisting of these components, called as the Mediterranean diet, has been advocated for a good heart health. However, it was noticed that  people of African American and Hispanic origin, residing in New York were unable o procure traditional Mediterranean diet. A new study, done on this specific population has found that a diet which is as close to Mediterranean diet as possible, containing fish, olive oil, vegetables and whole grains, offers the same cardio-protection as the typical Mediterranean diet.

 

The study, which has been published in the American Journal of Nutrition, was conducted in northern Miami, under the leadership of Dr. Clinton Wright, from the University of Miami. It was based on a food frequency questionnaire given to 2568 participants. The participants comprised of 63% Hispanics, 20%African Americans and 15% whites. They were asked questions pertaining to the nature and frequency of their diet in order to ascertain its closeness to the Mediterranean diet, and were given points on a nine point scale. The participants were later followed up to ascertain the development of any cardiovascular event. 

 

The researchers noticed that each point gained on the nine point scale led to a decrease in the chances of death due to cardiovascular events, by 9%. However, there was no correlation between this diet and development of ischemic stroke. Mediterranean diet promotes the health of the heart as it is rich in omega three fatty acids. It also consists of a lot of fibers, another food component which is good for heart. Based on the results of the study, the researchers have once again advocated the importance of fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish and olive oil in one’s diet.

 

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