A new study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition has revealed that the Mediterranean diet lowers the risk of heart failure in women.
Heart failure is when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. While heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped, the condition can have a severe impact on the body over time. With heart transplants being the only current treatment, prevention through lifestyle changes like diet and exercise is essential.
The study analyzed medical data from 216,385 adults across six relevant studies to investigate the impact of the Mediterranean diet on heart failure risk. The Mediterranean diet, known for its emphasis on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, olive oil, and fish, while being low in red meat and refined grains, was assessed using a scoring system. Higher scores, indicating a close adherence to the diet, were linked to a reduced risk of developing heart failure—especially in women. In men, the association was not statistically significant.
Researchers explained that systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction play roles in the progression from atherosclerosis to cardiovascular disease and heart failure, and the Mediterranean diet’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects help lower these risks.
Regarding gender differences, the researchers noted that the causes of heart failure differ between men and women, and factors such as pregnancy and female hormones should also be considered in women.
The study concludes that adopting a Mediterranean diet is an effective way for women to lower their risk of heart failure.
Most Commented