As per the latest study, following Mediterranean diet results in a strong and healthy heart. The adults who stick to a 70% plant-base diet are at 47% lower risk of suffering from heart disease compared to people who are non-vegetarian. The study results will be presented at upcoming ‘64th Annual Scientific Session’ of the American College of Cardiology.
The research involved a group of more than 2,500 Greek adults in age group of 18 to 89 years. The subjects were under observation for eleven years, from 2001 to 2012. The researcher monitored everything from their medical records to dietary habits to adherence to the Mediterranean diet.
The research highlighted that subjects who adhered to the Mediterranean diet and didn’t focus on physical activity had super protection against heat diseases. The previous studies had supported the fact that health benefits of diet outweigh other protective factors.
As per Ekavi Georgousopoulou, who is co-author of the study stated that the Mediterranean diet proves to be a beneficial intervention for all people irrespective of age or gender. It is applicable to both healthy people and those suffering from health problems. Professor Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos supported Georgousopoulou in the study. The adherence to a plant-based diet ensures heart health and offers other health benefits, including inflammation and hypertension management as well as diabetes management.
The researchers closely monitored how strictly subjects stick to their diet. As per the intake level and self-reported frequency, they were ranked on a scale of 1 to 55. The candidates who scored high on a scale were adhered to the Mediterranean diet and had lower risk of getting a heart disease. A one-point increase on the scale was proportionate to a 3% decrease in heart disease risk.
The Mediterranean diet consists of various types of food including vegetables, fruits, legumes, beans, olive oil, grains and nuts.