Since February is American Heart Month, what better way to celebrate than with the Mediterranean Diet-the #1Â best heart-healthy diet, according to the 2021Â US News and World Report rankings!
The Mediterranean Diet reflects a way of eating that is traditional to the countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea. It is abundant in minimally processed plant-based foods-fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, herbs and spices-rich in monounsaturated fat from olive oil, and lower in saturated fat, meat, and dairy products. Scientific evidence has shown that the adoption of the Mediterranean Diet is a protective factor against the onset of various types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, including metabolic syndrome (a condition that includes excess body fat, high blood fats, and high blood pressure), aging, and obesity.
Early recognition of the benefits of the Mediterranean diet stemmed from a 1950s study led by Ancel Keys from the University of Minnesota and a team of scientists. They set out to study men with heart disease in 21 countries. Keys’ findings revealed that Finland had the highest rates of heart disease-related deaths at 171 deaths per thousand men. The United States was at 92 deaths; Italy, a Mediterranean country, was at 24; Japan had 13 deaths per thousand and the Greek island of Crete, part of the Mediterranean, had a surprisingly low rate of only 3 deaths per thousand. This latter number astonished researchers, such that they returned to Crete to further study this phenomenon. Interestingly, Crete, with its low rate of heart disease, had an average daily fat intake of 40% of total calories-by no means a low-fat diet.
A large proportion of dietary fat in the Mediterranean Diet comes from extra virgin olive oil, oily fish (sardines, anchovies) and nuts and seeds. Fish, nuts, and seeds contain polyunsaturated fats, while extra-virgin olive oil is primarily made up of monounsaturated fat (approximately 73%). Studies consistently link a diet high in polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat with favorable effects on markers of cardiovascular disease, which include chronic inflammation, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood glucose levels.
So why is olive oil so good for our health? Extra-virgin olive oil contains numerous phenolic compounds, which are powerful antioxidants that help protect the body against free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that cause cell damage and contribute to disease and the aging process.  Compared with refined olive oils, EVOO comes from the first pressing of olives and is rich in antioxidants.
These days, we’ve all heard about the benefits of omega-3 fats. There are three main omega-3 fatty acids. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are most abundant in fish and shellfish, while alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is found principally in plant oils such as flaxseed and walnut. Fish such as tuna, herring, sardines, anchovies, and mackerel are rich in essential heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids; shellfish and crustaceans including mussels, clams, and shrimp have similar benefits. Studies have found that eating oily fish can lower blood pressure and reduce fat build-up in the arteries. Interestingly, fish oil supplements have not been shown to have the same protective benefits. Thus, it’s recommended that you consume fish or shellfish twice per week on the Mediterranean Diet.
Of course, we can’t talk about the Mediterranean Diet without mentioning the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. A large number of studies have shown that the higher the average daily intake of fruits and vegetables, the lower the chances of developing cardiovascular disease. Green leafy vegetables in particular, such as lettuce, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, dandelion, and mustard greens, are most strongly associated with decreased risk.
As for protein, the main protein eaten in the U.S. is meat, whereas the main sources of protein in many Mediterranean countries are beans, nuts, seeds, and fish. Traditionally, when meat is eaten in the Mediterranean, it is rarely consumed as a whole steak or a burger. Instead, meat is often cut into cubes and stewed with loads of veggies and legumes; the meat acts as a flavoring agent instead of being the main affair. Many research studies show an association between red meat consumption and cardiovascular disease. That is, the more red meat you consume, the higher your long-term risk of heart disease. Cutting back on meat consumption is not only healthy for you, but it’s also healthy for the environment, as meat production is a significant contributor of greenhouse gases.
Lastly, scientists are discovering that nutrients have complex synergistic interactions when consumed together. More specifically, interaction between two or more nutrients working in concert produces a health effect far greater than what would be expected of each nutrient individually. For instance, carrots have plenty of beta carotene (it’s what makes a carrot orange), but it’s fat soluble, which means that beta-carotene needs fat to be absorbed. Thus, when combined with, for example, extra-virgin olive oil a source of heart-healthy fats, we’re able to absorb beta-carotene and other fat-soluble nutrients present in carrots.
In the decades that followed Keys’ original Seven Countries Study, hundreds of other observational and randomized, controlled studies have confirmed that a Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. To help keep your heart beating smoothly for the long haul, take a cue from the Mediterranean Diet and consume an assortment of nutrient-dense foods. Mix it up with various combinations of minimally processed fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, herbs and spices, etc. to realize the most health benefits. It will be the most delicious thing you can do for your health!
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