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Sept. 22, 2004
Dr.
Eric Rimm, an epidemiologist at the Harvard School of Public
Health who reviewed the European
studies, told ABC News: "I
think the scientists, if anything, are coming down on the side
of 'enough with the fad diets, let's stick with something we
know has worked and worked for centuries.' "
The Mediterranean
diet features: fruits, vegetables, fish, chicken, whole grain
bread, and plenty of unsaturated fats from nuts and olive oil.
The diet contains little red meat or dairy products.
In one
of the JAMA studies, people following a Mediterranean diet
for two years lowered their weight, cholesterol, blood pressure
and blood sugar levels. The diet also resulted in improved
blood vessel function and reduced inflammation in the body.
"These
factors are very important in lowering the risk of heart disease
and other chronic diseases," said Rimm.
Indeed, in a separate
study, researchers found that among people 70 to 90 years old,
those following the Mediterranean diet were 23 percent less
likely to die during a two-year period.
"That's a huge increase," said
Dr. Tom Perls of Boston University Medical Center. "We've known
the Mediterranean diet has been a very healthy one, but I think
it's a big surprise to most of us the tremendous impact the
Mediterranean diet has on risk reduction."
When people added
other healthful habits — moderate alcohol consumption (two
to three drinks a day), no smoking, and regular physical activity — they
actually lowered their risk of dying by 65 percent during the
two years.
Other research in the journal showed that regular,
mild exercise — 30 minutes of walking a day — may protect the
brain from memory loss, even Alzheimer's disease. And the more
physical activity, the greater the protection.
Together, the
studies provide some of the strongest evidence yet that basic
lifestyle changes can help even older people live a longer,
healthier life.
ABCNEWS
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