Changing to the Mediterranean diet now may lead to a longer, healthier life

Lisa M. Davila, B.S.N., M.S.
October 22nd, 2018

If you think revamping your diet isn’t going to make much difference for your health or longevity, think again. The health benefits of the Mediterranean
 diet have been known for years, but it has mainly been studied in younger adults. Now results of a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition show that the Mediterranean diet is associated with longer life in older adults too.Components of the Mediterranean diet change a little from region to region, but overall, it’s high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, fish, and plant-based fats and low in meats and dairy. Another feature that scientists think could be significant is that it also includes a moderate consumption of wine during meals.

Research in Italy Researchers from the Department of Epidemiology and Prevention of the Institute for Research, Hospitalization, and Health Care Neuromed in Molise, Italy, analyzed data from 5,000 participants in the Moli-sani Study, which is a study about environmental and genetic factors underlying cardiovascular disease, cancer, and degenerative pathology. They also analyzed data from other epidemiology studies in seven other countries.They found that people 65 years and older who adhered to a Mediterranean diet had a 25% reduction of all-cause mortality. They also found that people who followed the diet more strictly lived longer than people who didn’t consistently follow it.The researchers say that the results of this study have important implications for public health and adds to the current knowledge about modifiable factors that can make people healthier.