(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Well known as the heart healthy diet, the
Mediterranean diet may offer more benefits for diabetes patients. Meals
filled with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats beat the
traditional low-fat diet in a recent study.
In a four-year study, 215 patients were randomly assigned to participate in
either a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean style diet, or in a low-fat diet.
Participants were overweight with newly- diagnosed type two diabetes. The
study assessed the need for medication in diabetic patients based on their
diet. Those on the Mediterranean diet experienced more weight loss,
decreased coronary risk factors, and required less medicine than the low-fat
dieters.
The Mediterranean diet combines healthy eating with flavors from the
countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Eating moderate amounts of red
meat, and adding fish into a couple meals per week are key to the diet.
Replace salt with natural herbs and spices. Red wine may be included in
moderation. Healthy fats are essential. Try olive oil or canola oil, and a
handful of nuts daily. Over half of the daily calories in this diet come
from monounsaturated fats such as olive oil. Unlike saturated fat,
monounsaturated fats will not raise blood cholesterol, according to the
American Heart Association.
Only 44 percent of the participants on the Mediterranean diet required
antihyperglycemic drug therapy to treat their diabetes, compared to 70
percent of those following a low-fat diet.
Researchers continue to discover new benefits to eating Mediterranean style,
including life longevity. The American heart Association recommends
including physical activity with the diet.
SOURCE: Annals of Internal Medicine Tip Sheet, September 1, 2009
