In recent research published in JAMA Network Open, it was found that women who follow the Mediterranean diet have a 23% lower risk of death from any cause. This dietary regimen, focused on plant consumption and recognized for its cardiovascular benefits, has been associated with a significant decrease in female mortality thanks to improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors.
The study, which followed 25,315 healthy women participating in the Women’s Health Study over 25 years (from April 1993 to January 1996), based its conclusions on analysis of blood samples, biomarker measurements and participants’ self-reported dietary information. between June 2018 and November 2023.
This nutritional regimen, characterized by high intake of whole vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices, with olive oil as the main source of added fat, has consistently shown its positive impact on longevity. Additionally, the Mediterranean diet limits consumption of red meat, sweets, butter and sugary drinks, promoting healthy unsaturated fats, fiber and antioxidants.
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and medical contributor to Fox News, although he was not involved in the study, reinforced that the results confirm the known advantages of the Mediterranean diet in reducing mortality. According to him, monounsaturated fats and antioxidants (polyphenols), abundant in this diet, fight inflammation and benefit the heart.
Erin Palinski-Wade, a registered dietitian in New Jersey not involved in the research, highlighted that the Mediterranean diet can improve overall health and reduce the risk of mortality through its impact on visceral, or abdominal, fat. This type of fat is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Additionally, the diet is rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that can reduce bodily inflammation and the future risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Despite the promising results, the researchers acknowledge some limitations in the study, such as the lack of diversity among the participants – predominantly white, middle-aged or older non-Hispanic healthcare professionals – which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Furthermore, because dietary intake was self-reported by questionnaires, there is potential for inaccuracy in the data.
Future research should explore other ways in which the Mediterranean diet can reduce mortality and analyze cause-specific mortality to expand understanding of this beneficial dietary regimen.
The results of this study reinforce the importance of the Mediterranean diet not only as an effective strategy for improving cardiovascular health but also as a potential means of increasing longevity among women.
