Mediterranean diet helps fight chronic disease
- Published: 12 September 2008 16:16
- Last Updated: 12 September 2008 16:35
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A Mediterranean diet can protect against a number of chronic diseases, a study published in the British Medical Journal has revealed.
Scientists analysed the results of 12 different studies which recorded the dietary pattern and incidence of illness among a total of 1,574,299 volunteers.
Those who predominantly ate Mediterranean food had a vastly improved health status, illustrated by a reduction in overall mortality (9 per cent), mortality from cardiovascular disease (9 per cent), incidence of cancer (6 per cent) and incidence of Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease (13 per cent).
Data also suggests health benefits become more significant with a stricter adherence to a Mediterranean diet.
Authors of the study, from the University of Florence, write: 'These results seem to be clinically relevant for public health, in particular for encouraging a Mediterranean-like dietary pattern for primary prevention of major chronic diseases.'
