A recently revised study suggested that a nutritious diet with healthy fat is more beneficial to the heart than a low-fat diet.
Spanish researchers found people suffered fewer heart attacks and strokes when following a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), supplemented with extra virgin olive oil or nuts, compared to those following a low-fat diet. The results build on observational studies that have shown an inverse relationship between adherence to the MedDiet and cardiovascular risk.
Those assigned to an energy-unrestricted Mediterranean diet, supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts, had a lower rate of major cardiovascular events than those assigned to a reduced-fat diet- Researchers
Lead author Ramón Estruch and colleagues at the Instituto de Salud Carlos III in Madrid studied 7,447 participants who ranged in age from 55 to 80 and were at a heightened risk of cardiovascular events.
They randomized the individuals to follow one of three diets: a MedDiet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil, a MedDiet supplemented with nuts and a control diet involving advice to cut back on fat intake. All three groups received dietary counseling and were evaluated for dietary adherence. The duration of the experiment was 4.8 years.
A heart attack, stroke or death from cardiovascular disease occurred in 288 participants: 96 in the MedDiet with extra virgin olive oil group, 83 in the MedDiet with nuts group and 109 in the control group.
This data translated into incidence rates of 8.1, 8.0, and 11.2 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. Rates of cardiovascular events were lower in individuals with better adherence to the MedDiet, the researchers noted.
“These results support previously reported benefits of the Mediterranean diet for cardiovascular risk reduction from a randomized trial. Our findings are also consistent with those of previous observational studies,” the authors said.
“In conclusion, in this primary prevention study involving persons at high risk for cardiovascular events, those assigned to an energy-unrestricted Mediterranean diet, supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts, had a lower rate of major cardiovascular events than those assigned to a reduced-fat diet. Our findings support a beneficial effect of the Mediterranean diet for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.”
Extra virgin olive oil and nuts are excellent sources of healthy fat. In an interview with Olive Oil Times, Haley Hughes, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with RDRx Nutrition explained the importance of this kind of fat and the nutritional factors underlying the study’s results.
“We need to increase polyunsaturated fats including olive oil, nuts, avocado and fish in our diet because they provide so many amazing health benefits. Multiple studies show how these fats coming from nutrient-dense sources support the heart, reduce blood pressure, improve brain health, encourage cell growth and promote satiety. These fats also provide antioxidants and vitamin E. Your body needs such fat to absorb and utilize certain essential vitamins, so it should be consumed daily in suggested amounts.”
The study was published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
More articles on: cardiovascular disease, health, Mediterranean diet
Aug. 10, 2023
Researchers Work to Reverse Genetic Erosion, Breed Resilient Olive Varieties
Understanding the genetic diversity of olive varieties will help farmers select the best cultivars for their climate and phytosanitary environment.
Sep. 6, 2023
In Australia, Mediterranean Diet Costs Less than Alternatives, Study Finds
Researchers found Australians could save 28 Australian dollars per week by following the Mediterranean diet.
Jul. 19, 2023
Researchers in California Test New Solutions for Olive Fruit Fly
Researchers at the University of California are testing a range of insecticide products for efficacy in controlling olive fruit flies.
Apr. 3, 2024
Uruguay to Host Conference on Olive Oil Sector Research, Innovation
Scientists, producers and officials will meet in Uruguay in November to discuss the challenges and opportunities for South America’s olive oil sector.
Apr. 16, 2024
Researchers Investigate Solar Panel and Olive Grove Synergies
Solar panels between rows of high-density olive groves generate electricity with minimal impact on yields.
Jan. 3, 2024
Researchers Develop Algorithm to Predict Harvest Potential from Climate Data
The publicly available algorithm was developed using 15 years of data from Italy to compare how combinations of climatic events impacted subsequent harvests.
May. 16, 2024
Daily Olive Oil Consumption Linked to Lower Dementia Death Risk, Study Finds
Harvard researchers found that daily consumption of at least seven grams of olive oil was associated with a 28 percent lower risk of dementia-related death.
Apr. 22, 2024
Olive Milling Byproducts May Improve Animal Feed
Diets including olive tree leaves and olive oil pomace did not negatively impact the health of sheep or their milk quality while decreasing methane emissions.