Scientists in Canada reviewing the research so far on links between different diets and heart disease found strong evidence that diets high in vegetables and nuts, and those that follow a Mediterranean pattern rich in fruit, vegetables and fish were strongly associated with lower heart disease risk than those that rely on food with a high glycemic index or high in trans-fatty acids. High glycemic index food includes rice, pasta and refined carbohydrates like white bread, and foods high in trans-fatty acids include fried foods, baked goods and snacks.
Mediterranean alpha-linolenic acid-rich diet in secondary prevention of coronary heart disease.\nde Lorgeril M, Renaud S, Mamelle N, Salen P, Martin JL, Monjaud I, Guidollet J, Touboul P, Delaye J.\nLancet. 1994 Jun 11;343(8911):1454-9. Erratum in: Lancet 1995 Mar 18;345(8951):738.\nPMID: 7911176
ScienceDaily (Feb. 26, 2009) - A study from the Harokopio University of Athens (Greece) suggests that adherence to a dietary pattern close to the Mediterranean diet, with high consumption of fish and olive oil and low red meat intake, has a significant impact in women skeletal health.
Postprandial improvement of endothelial function by red wine and olive oil antioxidants: a synergistic effect of components of the Mediterranean diet.
Karatzi K, Papamichael C, Karatzis E, Papaioannou TG, Voidonikola PT, Vamvakou GD, Lekakis J, Zampelas A.
J Am Coll Nutr. 2008 Aug;27(4):448-53.
PMID: 18978163
de Lorgeril M, Salen P, Martin J-L, Monjaud I, Delaye J, Mamelle N:\nMediterranean diet, traditional risk factors and the rate of\ncardiovascular complications after myocardial infarction. Final report of the Lyon Diet Heart Study.\nCirculation 1999, Febr
European experts in cancer and nutrition are meeting in Zurich, Switzerland late this month to discuss cutting-edge research in one of the most important and fiercely debated topics in cancer prevention: the link between diet and cancer.
There is growing evidence that many cancers may be prevented through healthy lifestyle, including a nutritionally balanced diet. In addition, nutritional problems can also have a negative impact on cancer management and the lives of patients.
Other presentations will include new data on topics such as:
Childhood nutrition and later breast cancer risk
The anti-tumour effects of green tea
Malnutrition and patient distress in cancer
Possible anti-tumour effects of soy extracts in mice
Estrogens in beef and cancer risk
Scientists say a natural supplement made from tomatoes, taken daily, can stave off heart disease and strokes.
The tomato pill contains an active ingredient from the Mediterranean diet - lycopene - that blocks "bad" LDL cholesterol that can clog the arteries.
A systematic review of the evidence supporting a causal link between dietary factors and coronary heart disease.
Mente A, de Koning L, Shannon HS, Anand SS.
Arch Intern Med. 2009 Apr 13;169(7):659-69.
PMID: 19364995