Following a Mediterranean diet can help women reduce their risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality by nearly 25%, according to a new analysis published in Heart.[1]
The study represents just the latest evidence that anyone hoping to take care of their heart should consider following a Mediterranean diet.
What is in a Mediterranean diet?
The Mediterranean diet, named for its connection to the traditional eating habits of Greece and Italy, is based on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and olive oil. Though it primarily focuses on plant-based options, limited amounts of fish, seafood, poultry and dairy products are also allowed in moderation. A plant-based Mediterranean diet—which just removes the meat altogether—is also starting to gain momentum as a popular option.
The Mediterranean diet has repeatedly been highlighted by cardiologists, nutritionists and other healthcare specialists as one of the best heart-healthy diets a person can follow. Read just a few examples of that praise here, here and here.
New details about the Mediterranean diet among women
The study’s authors performed a systemic review and meta-analysis of 16 different studies published from 2003 to 2021. More than 700,000 adult women were included in the team’s research.
Overall, closely following a Mediterranean diet was linked to a 24% lower CVD risk, 23% lower all-cause mortality risk and 25% lower coronary heart disease risk among women. There was a slightly reduction in stroke risk, but it was not large enough to be seen as statistically significant.
“This study demonstrated a higher magnitude of decreased risk for CVD in women compared with previous meta-analyses that included both men and women,” wrote first author Anushriya Pant, with the University of Sydney in Australia, and colleagues. “This could be due to the large sample size of female specific data included in our meta-analysis, resulting in an analysis of a more diverse group of women from different age groups and with varied cardiovascular risk profiles. However, it adds to the need for sex specific research.”
Read the full study here.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.