More on the Health Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the Mediterranean Diet
The Low Cost Highly Beneficial Mediterranean Diet
Here is the opening statement from an international conference on the topic: “The Mediterranean diet is considered as the foremost dietary regimen and its adoption is associated with the prevention of degenerative diseases and an extended longevity.” Who wouldn’t want that? They go on to say that using olive oil as the main fat source is one of the main features of this very beneficial diet. Extra virgin olive oil should be the fat source of choice when it comes to human health.
There are regional differences in Mediterranean dietary pattern, but they all use of olive oil as the main dietary fat. The other elements include high intakes of fruits, vegetable, nuts, beans, peas, seafood, whole grains, and moderate use of dairy products. Red meat and processed meats are limited. It is real food with lots of olive oil.
The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet are quite remarkable. The Lyon Heart Study involved patients with a prior heart attack with about four years of follow-up. Fourteen patients died or had a heart attack compared with 44 not on the mediterranean diet. Twenty-seven patients vs 90 experienced unstable angina, stroke, heart failure, pulmonary or peripheral embolism, death, or heart attack. Another study of patients on the Mediterranean diet showed a 19% reduction in the number of patients who went on to develop type 2 diabetes. This benefit is equivalent to the best medications and the Mediterranean Diet should be part of optimal medical therapy (OMT).