A Mediterranean diet that uses olive oil instead of animal fats like butter is widely acknowledged as healthful. In addition to olive oil, Mediterranean diets are rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Greek researchers have determined that people following such a diet are less likely to develop metabolic syndrome (Journal of the American College of Cardiology, March 2011). This constellation of risk factors, including high triglycerides, a big belly, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar, is linked to the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The meta-analysis included 50 studies and over 500,000 subjects. It suggests that a Mediterranean diet might lower the risk of developing metabolic syndrome by nearly one third.
Atlantic Diet Against Metabolic Syndrome:
Although most scientists recognize the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, not everyone lives near the Mediterranean sea. Do other traditional diets also provide heart healthy benefits? A new study suggests that at least one such dietary pattern compares well to the Mediterranean diet (JAMA Network Open, Feb. 7. 2024).
Studying the Atlantic Diet:
The researchers recruited 200 families living in northwestern Spain to test the Atlantic diet of that region. They assigned half the families to follow their usual diet. The other half followed a traditional Atlantic diet for six months. That is the name the investigators gave the diet that people in Portugal and western Spain used to consume regularly. To help the group on the Atlantic diet, the scientists provided educational sessions and cooking classes.
There were nearly 520 adults in study–270 in the Atlantic diet group and 248 in the usual diet group. Most did not have metabolic syndrome when the study began. During the study, however, 3% of those following an Atlantic diet developed metabolic syndrome. In comparison, 7% of those on the usual diet ended up with metabolic syndrome by the end of the year. This difference is significant.
Following an Atlantic Diet:
Not to throw any shade on the Mediterranean diet, the study demonstrates that some other traditional diets can also protect us from metabolic syndrome. The two diets are somewhat similar. The Atlantic diet emphasizes seasonal, fresh vegetables including potatoes, fruits, whole grains, nuts, especially chestnuts, and legumes. Olive oil serves as the principal fat, and fish and seafood play an important role. Dairy products are also more prominent in the Atlantic diet. As with the Mediterranean diet, coming together for shared meals is important to people in this part of the world.
