The Mediterranean diet, renowned for its health benefits, is now shown to improve heart health in children and teens. Researchers have found that young people consuming more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats had better cholesterol levels and blood pressure than those with less healthy diets.
Children on Mediterranean diet show low systolic pressure
While the Mediterranean diet is well-documented for adults, its impact on younger populations has been less explored. A study in JAMA Network Open reviewed nine previous studies involving 577 children aged three to 18, with Mediterranean diet interventions lasting from eight to 40 weeks. Participants included overweight or obese youth, prediabetic children, and generally healthy kids.
The results showed that children on a Mediterranean diet experienced a nearly five-point drop in systolic blood pressure and reduced levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. Conversely, their HDL cholesterol increased slightly. These changes, though modest, could significantly impact long-term heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease later in life.
The Mediterranean diet’s heart-health benefits stem from its nutrient-rich composition, including monounsaturated fats from olive oil and nuts, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids. These components collectively create an anti-inflammatory effect and help regulate cholesterol levels.
The diet also minimizes harmful foods like saturated fats from red meat and full-fat dairy, added sugars, and highly processed items, which is particularly beneficial for overweight children. The study emphasizes promoting healthy eating habits early in life through school programs or family interventions.
Mediterranean diet could optimize cardiovascular health in teens
Researchers conclude that Mediterranean diet interventions promise to improve heart health markers in children and adolescents, suggesting these diets could optimize cardiovascular health from a young age. They call for more high-quality studies to confirm and expand these findings.
The results highlight the importance of early healthy eating habits, as even modest dietary improvements during childhood could offer long-lasting benefits for heart health. With rising rates of childhood obesity and related health issues globally, the Mediterranean diet may provide a tasty and effective way to protect kids’ cardiovascular health.
