The Mediterranean diet has advantages in old age, according to a study

A Mediterranean diet involves eating plant-based meals, with only a small amount of lean meat and chicken and more servings of vegetables, fruits, legumes, unrefined grains, olive oil and fish.

According to the study published last week in the British Journal of Nutrition, adherence to such a diet was associated with a risk of death from all causes of 25% lower in a sample of older people in the region of Molise in Italy .

"We found, for the first time, a dose-response relationship between the Mediterranean diet and the risk of mortality, which means that the more important the membership to this regime, the greater the benefit," said first author of the study, Marialaura Bonaccio. Epidemiologist at the Mediterranean Neuromed Institute, Hospital and Research Institute in Pozzilli, Italy.

The study did not explain exactly how diet could be linked to a prolonged life, but "the Mediterranean diet is rich in many anti-inflammatory foods, for example, olive oil and fiber and antioxidants" . a role in improving longevity.

The researchers found that an increase in one point of each person's Mediterranean diet score was associated with a lower risk of death from all causes, and specifically from coronary heart disease.

According to the researchers, there were 900 deaths among adults for an average of eight years.

The researchers also examined what was known in the scientific literature on the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for health by conducting a meta-analysis of six previously published studies.

In the meta-analysis as well as in the new findings of the researchers, they found that each one-point increase in Mediterranean diet score was associated with a rate of 5%. lower risk of death from all causes.

"The main finding is that adherence to the Mediterranean diet protects against all-cause mortality and against some cardiovascular effects in a sample of older people," Bonaccio said.

"We found that one of the most important food groups is the consumption of monosaturated fats – the main source being extra virgin olive oil, mainly the consumption of saturated fats. This means that you must consume more than saturated, "she said.

The study had certain limitations, including the fact that it was an observation and that only an association between a Mediterranean diet and longevity was associated with a cause-and-effect relationship. Another limitation was that food intake was self-reported.

In addition, the meta-analysis included only a small number of studies.

In total, said Bonaccio, "the novelty of the study is that we have specifically looked at the benefits for the elderly."

Since the study was conducted only in adults 65 years and older, the results can not be generalized to other age groups.

"There is strong evidence published in recent decades showing the health benefits of following a Mediterranean diet," she said.

In other words, like the new study, this research also showed that prolonged life could be associated with the Mediterranean diet.

According to Sotos-Prieto, dietary changes have been associated with a 16% lower mortality risk for adults whose Mediterranean diet score has improved over the last 12 years.

"The Mediterranean diet includes the healthy elements of a healthy diet – including the consumption of fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, olive oil, fish and red and processed meats – enjoying meals with family and friends, "she said." The Mediterranean diet is a diet that can be easily maintained in the long term, and this is also reflected in the long-term benefits, including the Longevity improvement. "