Mediterranean Diet Protects Against Chronic Conditions

Summary: Researchers found that sticking to a strict Mediterranean diet can reduce deaths from conditions such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. This diet is characterized by small amounts of meat and dairy, and larger amounts of vegetables, nuts, olive oil, fruits, fish, and grains. A Mediterranean diet lowered the risk of death from cancer by 6%, cardiovascular diseases by 9%, and the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease by 13%.

Comment: This research suggests that by adopting a Mediterranean type diet death rates can be lowered. They also found that the adherence rate was a factor in the benefits from the diet. This research also reinforces previous diet guidelines that are similar to a Mediterranean diet.

Read article - Medical News TODAY September 12, 2008