Friday, April 17, 2009

50 YEARS of research on heart diet

Not All Diets Pass the Heart-Healthy Test
Study Shows Mediterranean Diet Lowers Heart Disease Risk; Western Diet Gets Poor Marks

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20090413/not-all-diets-pass-the-heart-healthy-test
Researchers evaluated more than 50 years of research on diet and heart disease and found diets rich in vegetables, nuts, and those that follow a Mediterranean pattern with lots of fruits, vegetables, and fish have "strong evidence" of lowering the risk of heart disease.

The final results showed only three specific dietary factors had strong evidence behind them as proven heart disease fighters:
· Vegetable-rich diet
· Eating nuts rich in monounsaturated fatty acids like walnuts and other nuts
· Following a Mediterranean-style diet high in vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, whole grains, cheese or yogurt, and fish
Of these, only a Mediterranean-style diet has been shown in randomized controlled studies to reduce the risk of heart disease.


Mediterranean Diet Is Healthy For Your Heart: McMaster Study
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146349.php

The study concludes there are certain food groups or dietary patterns, that are beneficial, including vegetables, nuts, monounsaturated fatty acids, and an overall 'healthy' dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet which incorporates generous amounts of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, such as olive and canola oil, small portions of nuts, red wine in moderation, very little red meat and fish on a regular basis. In addition, the researchers conclude there is strong evidence which supports that certain dietary factors such as glycemic index/load of foods and trans fatty acids are harmful.

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