Women seeking to extend their lifespan may find value in adopting the Mediterranean diet. A study conducted by Brigham and Women’s Hospital indicates that adhering to this renowned dietary regimen offers extensive advantages, notably reducing the risk of mortality from heart disease and cancer.
Adhering to Mediterranean diet reduces risk of death by 23%
The research paper published in JAMA monitored a cohort of more than 25,000 women from the United States over a remarkable span of 25 years. The study revealed that adhering closely to this particular dietary regimen was associated with a significant 23% decrease in the likelihood of mortality from any cause. Notably, the dietary pattern appeared to provide heightened safeguarding against cancer-related deaths compared to cardiovascular issues.
Researchers investigated the Mediterranean diet’s impact on health markers by analyzing blood samples from women. They found that beyond reducing cholesterol, the diet lowers inflammation, balances blood fats, improves insulin function, and helps maintain a healthy weight, providing a holistic health boost. Even moderate adherence to the diet led to an 8% lower risk of mortality, indicating its significant benefits for longevity and well-being.
Senior author Samia Mora, MD, a cardiologist and director of the Center for Lipid Metabolomics at the Brigham said medical professionals recognize the benefits of a Mediterranean diet and their study offered insights on why the diet is beneficial. Mora suggests promoting its healthful aspects in public health policies while discouraging unhealthy modifications.
Mediterranean diet adherents have longer lifespan
Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital studied over 25,000 female health professionals aged 45 and above from diverse racial backgrounds in the United States in the early ’90s. Participants completed detailed questionnaires about their diets, allowing researchers to score adherence to the Mediterranean diet based on consumption of vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, legumes, fish, healthy fats, and wine. Higher scores correlated with closer adherence to the diet.
For 25 years, researchers meticulously recorded data on mortality, collecting information from death certificates, medical records, and family accounts. In 2023, their analysis revealed a significant finding whereby women who followed a Mediterranean diet had longer lifespans.
