Mediterranean Diet May Reduce Women’s Mortality Risk by 23%

According to JAMA Network Open, following the Mediterranean diet can reduce women’s risk of all-cause mortality by 23%. This study was an umbrella review of 495 meta-analyses of observational studies that examined the association between several diets and cardiometabolic biomarkers. Inflammation, metabolism, insulin resistance and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. 

The scientists did not look at biomarkers related to total cholesterol, LDL-C, Lp(a), or glycemic measures, such as hemoglobin A1C.The researcher’s determined mortality and cause of death from medical and death records. 

The researchers indicate that despite their findings, most potential benefits of following the Mediterranean diet remain unexplained. The researchers suggest that the benefits may come from improvements in cardiometabolic health and lower inflammation and that’s important because inflammation naturally increases with age (usually starting in your 40s). Inflammation is thought to be a root cause of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. It makes sense that any strategies to reduce age-related inflammation may prolong life and enhance your quality of life as one ages. The Mediterranean diet is based on the eating habits of people living along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, according to the American Heart Association. 

Eating styles vary in the region, but the different cultures share some similarities in their diet. 

People there eat primarily fruits, vegetables, potatoes, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Their primary source of fat is olive oil. They consume low to moderate amounts of limited quantities of eggs, fish, poultry, and sweet foods. Desserts typically consist of fresh fruit. Several studies, including this recent one, suggest that diets high in ultra-processed foods have detrimental effects on health and lifespan the opposite of the Mediterranean diet.