Well, it is May and it is International Mediterranean Month once again. And these studies came in just in time. Although the findings are not new, recent research confirms and strengthens the findings of previous studies.
So in the first study the reserachers basically found that closer adherence to a Mediterranean style diet resulted in a lower risk of memory loss. Information was gathered from over 17000 individuals above the age of 45 who were part of the REGARDS (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) study. The study was published in the journal Neurology.
The second study which was actually a review of studies concluded that the Mediterranean diet can temper endothelial aging. The endothelium is the inner lining of our blood vessels. As we age oxidative stress can cause damage to the endothelium and this is associated with heart disease and cancer. The researchers based on their review concluded that a Mediterranean-style diet, improves vascular dysfunction and can play a role in the protection against the chronic diseases related to aging. The study was published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
So there we have it. More proof that a Mediterranean diet is good for you.