MEDITERRANEAN DIET

Mediterranean Diet

[CFS 355]

[Name of the instructor]

Table of Contents

Introduction3

The dietary spectrum4

AHA versus Mediterranean diet4

Overview of the Mediterranean diet6

Fish and omega-3 fatty acids6

The role of olive oil8

Nuts as a fat source9

Alcohol and heart protection10

Results11

From theory to practice12

Conclusion13

References14

Appendix15

Introduction

Diet is commonly held to be a major factor in the development of coronary heart disease. Over the past three decades, evidence of the relationship between dietary intake and coronary heart disease has been steadily accumulating. Although competing theories, such as the role of genetic factors or the possible involvement of an infectious agent, have been proposed, the association between diet and coronary heart disease remains strong.

Most physicians recommend the American Heart Association (AHA) Step I or Step II diet to patients at risk for heart disease and stroke, but recent studies suggest there might be a better approach. The Mediterranean diet, which has been around for thousands of years (Shai et al., 2008), offers a practical, effective, and enjoyable strategy that is relatively easy to adopt and more likely to be successful over the long term than most other heart-healthy diets. In this study we review the current understanding and scientific evidence related to cardioprotective diets and present practical ideas for implementation.

In April 2001, the AHA published a science advisory stating that some components of the Mediterranean diet may be beneficial when used in conjunction with its traditional Step I and Step II diets for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The official AHA dietary guidelines had already incorporated some of the major principles of the Mediterranean diet. (Denke, 2005) Traditional diets among some Mediterranean cultures (eg, Greece, Crete, southern France, parts of Italy) include an abundance of natural whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables, along with olive oil, fish, nuts, and moderate amounts of wine. Many studies now suggest that this eating style may play an important role in the prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD).

The dietary spectrum

The public is almost constantly bombarded by confusing and conflicting dietary advice. How can we help our patients make sense of various diet plans? To begin, we can look at these popular diets in terms of a dietary spectrum (table 1). On one end are the ultra-low-fat diets (eg, Ornish, Pritikin), which are mostly vegetarian and high in carbohydrates. On the other end are the high-protein, high-fat diets (eg, Protein Power, Atkins), which are promoted for weight loss and require radical restriction of carbohydrate intake. (Shai et al., 2008) Each of these diets may be useful in selected situations for highly motivated patients. However, one of the most important aspects of any diet is how acceptable it is to the population at large. Extreme dietary modifications are impractical if not impossible for most people to maintain on a long-term basis.

In the middle of the dietary spectrum are the more moderate diet plans, including the Mediterranean diet. (Martínez-González et al., 2008) In contrast to the more extreme plans, these plans do not require radical alterations in eating habits just a shift toward more healthful ...