Mediterranean diet best for heart health

Wednesday April 22, 2009 (foodconsumer.org) -- Touted by researchers for years, the Mediterranean diet, which includes fish, cereals and wine, was found to be the most heart-healthy way to eat, according to a new study in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C, E and folate, this is the only diet associated with a lower risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), say researchers led by Andrew Mente from the Population Health Research Institute.

While results were not overwhelming, researchers found reasons to support the Med-diet. 

“Although investigations of dietary components may help to shed light on mechanisms behind the benefits of dietary patterns, it is unlikely that modifying the intake of a few nutrients or foods would substantially influence coronary outcomes,” wrote researchers.

Findings state that “moderate evidence” shows relationships were found supporting omega-3, folate, whole grains, wine, fruits, fiber and vitamins E and C for reductions in the risk of heart disease.

Foods with trans-fatty acids and a high glycemic index, however, were associated with “harmful factors” relating to the heart, wrote researchers. More studies are recommended.

“Our findings support the strategy of investigating dietary patterns in cohort studies and randomized controlled trials for common and complex chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease,” they wrote.

The Mediterranean diet is rich in fish and olive oil, cereals, wine, fruits, nuts, legumes and whole grains. It is low in meat, dairy, junk food and fat. The Med-diet has been linked to longer life, less heart diesase and protection against some cancers.

Scientists conducted a systematic search for studies or randomized trials investigating dietary exposures in relation to CHD. They looked at trials published between 1950 and 2007.

The review concluded that “evidence supports a valid association of a limited number of dietary factors and dietary patterns with CHD.” They recommend studies for “future evaluation of dietary patterns.”

(By Sheilah Downey, and edited by Heather Kelley)