Consuming a Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, fruits and nuts, olive oil, and legumes may lead to longer life, according to a new study from Greece.
Consuming a Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, fruits and nuts, olive oil, and legumes may lead to longer life, according to a new study from Greece.
Results of the Greek segment of the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition (Epic) suggest that cereals and dairy products didn’t make a major contribution, while moderate alcohol consumption and low meat consumption were linked to longer life.
The study adds to a large body of science supporting a Mediterranean-style diet. The dietary pattern has been linked to longer life, less heart disease and protection against some cancers. The diet’s main nutritional components include beta-carotene, vitamin C, tocopherols, lycopene, polyphenols, and essential minerals.
Antonia Trichopoulou and her co-workers from the University of Athens and Harvard School of Public Health followed 23 349 healthy Greek men and women aged between 20 and 86 for an average of 8.5 years.
Over the course of the study, 652 deaths were observed in people with the lowest Med diet scores, while 423 deaths were recorded in people with the highest Med diet scores.
When they looked at the individual components they elucidated that nine components contributed to the benefits, including moderate alcohol consumption, low meat and meat product consumption, high consumption of vegetables, fruit, legumes, olive oil, and nuts, and a high monounsaturated to saturated lipid ratio.
Priya Seetal
Registered dietitian and
Nutrition information officer
