A Mediterranean diet rich in walnuts and olive oil is suitable for pregnant women and babies

Mediterranean diet rich in walnut oil and extra virgin improves results for mother and fetus

A new study showed that women on a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy, including a daily portion of nuts (half of which were nuts) and extra virgin olive oil, had a reduced risk of gestational diabetes. 35%. They gained an average of 2.75 pounds less than women who received standard prenatal care.

Previous studies have shown that a Mediterranean diet rich in good unsaturated fats, present in foods such as nuts and extra virgin olive oil, reduces the risk of heart attack, d? stroke and cardiovascular death in the adult. Nuts, in particular, are a traditional food of the Mediterranean diet because of their content of omega-3 ALA (2.5 g / ounce – the only nut high in this essential fatty acid) and their bioactive compounds.

This new study looked at 1,252 multiethnic pregnant women in the downtown area with metabolic risk factors, including obesity and chronic hypertension. In addition to receiving folic acid and vitamin D supplementation, women were randomly badigned to a Mediterranean-style diet or to a control group who received dietary advice in accordance with the UK national recommendations for antenatal care. and weight management during pregnancy.

The researchers also evaluated the effect of a Mediterranean diet on other complications of pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, stillbirth, small fetus or bad cancer. Admission to a neonatal care unit, but found no significant badociation.

Those who followed the Mediterranean diet consumed a daily serving of walnuts (30 g / day, 15 g of nuts, 7.5 g of almonds and 7.5 g of hazelnuts) and used olive oil. Extra virgin olive (0.5 L / week) as the main source of cooking fat. In addition, the diet focused on fruits, vegetables, unrefined grains and legumes; moderate to high fish consumption; low to moderate consumption of poultry and dairy products; low consumption of red meat and processed meat; and avoid sugary drinks, fast foods and foods high in animal fat.

Participants received dietary advice at 18, 20 and 28 weeks of gestation to improve adherence and ensure that the diet was culturally appropriate. The investigators measured food compliance using self-reported comments from participants.

The researchers also evaluated the effect of a Mediterranean diet on other complications of pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, stillbirth, small fetus or bad cancer. Admission to a neonatal care unit, but found no significant badociation.

These findings provide additional support for following a Mediterranean-type diet that has been badociated with additional health benefits, such as improved cognitive function.