A recent study has revealed that adhering to a Mediterranean diet can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and death in women by almost 25%. Cardiovascular disease is responsible for a significant number of deaths in women worldwide, and while a healthy diet is crucial for prevention, previous studies have not included enough female participants or reported results by sex.
To conduct this analysis, researchers searched through various databases for studies that examined the effects of a Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular health and mortality in women. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, extra virgin olive oil, nuts, and legumes, moderate intake of shellfish and fish, low to moderate consumption of wine, and limited intake of processed foods, animal fat, dairy products, and processed or red meats.
Out of the initial selection of 190 studies, 16 were included in the data analysis. These studies were conducted in Europe and the US and involved over 700,000 women aged 18 and older. The participants’ cardiovascular health was monitored for an average of 12.5 years. The analysis revealed that closely adhering to a Mediterranean diet led to a 24% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk and a 23% decrease in the risk of death from any cause in women.
Furthermore, the risk of coronary heart disease was found to be 25% lower in individuals who meticulously followed the Mediterranean diet compared to those who followed it less strictly. Although there was also a lower risk of stroke, it was not statistically significant. Importantly, even when each study was individually excluded from the analysis, the results remained consistent. This strengthens the significant inverse connection between incident cardiovascular disease and total mortality with strict adherence to the Mediterranean diet in women.
However, it is important to note that the study has some limitations. All the analyzed studies were observational and relied on self-reported questionnaires about food frequency. Additionally, adjustments for potentially influential factors varied across the included studies. Despite these limitations, the study suggests that the gut microbiome antioxidant and the impact of the Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular risk factors and inflammation could explain the observed associations.
The diet’s various components, including omega-3 fatty acids, nitrates, polyphenols, reduced glycemic load, and increased fiber intake, may all play a role in improving cardiovascular risk profiles. However, the specific mechanisms behind the sex-specific impact of the Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular disease and mortality remain unclear. Risk factors specific to women, such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, premature menopause, and systemic lupus, can independently increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
It is possible that a Mediterranean diet, which targets inflammation and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, may have different effects on women compared to men. Further research is needed to fully understand these differences and to develop more tailored preventative measures for women.
In conclusion, this study highlights the significant benefits of adhering to a Mediterranean diet in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in women. The findings emphasize the importance of considering sex-specific factors in developing recommendations for preventing cardiovascular disease. Incorporating the Mediterranean diet into one’s lifestyle could be a simple yet effective way for women to improve their cardiovascular health and overall well-being.