Focus on Mediterranean for a Youthful Mind and Body
Key Takeaways
- A series of six articles appearing in the The Journals of Gerontology, finds new correlations between a Mediterranean diet and healthy aging outcomes
- Higher numbers on the Literature-based Adherence Score to the Mediterranean Diet were associated with higher odds of meeting certain healthy aging criteria
- There is a positive relationship between the diet and physical and cognitive function
- In several of the studies, the level of benefit was dependent on how adherence to the diet was measured
Overview
Among their findings, the new articles report on:
- Underlying mechanisms of the diet
- The positive relationship between the diet and physical and cognitive function
- The value of taking a coenzyme Q10 supplement while adhering to the diet
- The role of the diet in reducing inflammation
Characteristics of the Mediterranean diet include:
- A variety of minimally processed whole grains and legumes as the staple food
- Plenty of a huge diversity of fresh vegetables consumed on a daily basis
- Fresh fruits as the typical daily dessert
- Cold pressed extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, and seeds as the principal source of fat
- Moderate consumption of fish
- Dairy products consumed in low amounts
- Red and processed meat consumed in very low frequency and amounts
- Wine consumed in low to moderate amounts only with meals
The Studies
There are a number of scales used to measure adherence to the diet.
One of the journal's studies, conducted by researchers at the University of Paris, found that among test subjects, higher numbers on the Literature-based Adherence Score to the Mediterranean Diet were associated with higher odds of meeting certain healthy aging criteria.
Similar results were found with another index, the Mediterranean Diet Score.
However, use of the Mediterranean Diet Scale yielded a weaker correlation.
In another study by researchers at the Autonomous University of Madrid, closer adherence to the diet was associated with a lower likelihood of physical function impairment in older adults.
Results
The exact mechanism by which an increased adherence to the diet exerts its favorable effects is still unknown to scientists.
However, writing in one of the new articles, researchers from Washington University in St. Louis state there is accumulating evidence of five important adaptations induced by the Mediterranean dietary pattern.
- Lipid lowering
- Protection from oxidative stress and inflammation
- Modification of growth factors that can promote cancer
- Inhibition of nutrient sensing pathways by amino acid restriction
- Gut microbiota-mediated production of metabolites.
You can find out more about what a meditteranean diet is and how it works in dietitian Juliette kellows Mediterranean Diet Review, or see what a low calorie Med diet looks like with our 7 day plan.
Create Your Own Mediterranean Plan
You can create and calorie count your own Mediterranean plan using the tools in Weight Loss Resources. Keep an online food diary, set a weight loss goal and see how many calories you need to get there. Try it Free for 24 hours
Reference
Can a Mediterranean Diet Pattern Slow Aging? Michelle A Mendez, PhD Anne B Newman, MD, MPH
