Colored vegetables and fruits, whole grains, fish… There are countless scientific studies attesting to the benefits of the Mediterranean diet on brain health, heart health and even fertility. Ultimately, according to new research published in the journal JAMAthis type of healthy diet would significantly reduce the risk of mortality from all causes in women.
Mediterranean diet: a 23% reduction in mortality risk
In order to understand the biological mechanisms behind this observation, researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, in the United States, followed more than 25,000 initially healthy American women for up to 25 years. They observed that participants who adhered more closely to a Mediterranean diet had an up to 23% lower risk of death from all causes, particularly from cancer and cardiovascular disease, i.e. “the leading causes of death in the United States and around the world”we can read in a press release.
By then analyzing the volunteers’ blood samples, the scientists discovered that the benefits of such a diet would be due to biological changes in certain biomarkers, such as those of inflammation or insulin resistance.
Changes in biomarkers of inflammation, insulin resistance…
“Biomarkers of metabolism and inflammation made the greatest contribution [à ce bénéfice santé]followed by triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, adiposity, insulin resistance, explain the researchers. Other biological pathways related to branched chain amino acids, high density lipoproteins [le “bon” cholestérol]low-density lipoproteins, glycemic measurements and hypertension have smaller contributions.”
To note that “Even modest changes in established risk factors for metabolic diseases can produce substantial long-term benefits from following a Mediterranean diet.”
As a reminder, the Mediterranean diet is a diversified diet rich in plants (nuts, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, etc.), which also includes a moderate intake of fish, poultry, dairy products. , eggs, as well as rare consumption of meats, sweets and processed foods.
