The Mediterranean diet scores again, with a new study finding it cut women's odds for an early death by nearly a quarter Reductions in deaths linked to cancer or heart disease were also seen Big changes in metabolic and inflammatory factors may drive the effect FRIDAY, May 31, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Experts have long extolled the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and a new study adds to that evidence, finding it cuts the odds for an early death in women by 23%. “For women who want to live longer, our study says watch your diet!" said study senior author , of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. "The good news is that following a Mediterranean dietary pattern could result in about one quarter reduction in risk of death over more than 25 years with benefit for both cancer and cardiovascular mortality, the top causes of death in women [and men] in the US and globally,” said Mora, a cardiologist and director of the Center for Lipid Metabolomics at the hospital.
The findings were published May 31 in the journal The has long ranked high on nutritionists' healthiest-diets list. It relies heavily on plants (nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes) and its main source of fat is olive oil. People on the diet eat moderate amounts of fish, poultry, dairy, eggs and alcohol, and tend to avoid red meat, sugary fare and processed foods.
The new study tracked health outcomes for more than 25 years among a group of more than 25,000 participants in the ongoing Women's.