Study Claims Mediterranean Diet Lowers Cholesterol Levels Despite the Absence of Weight Loss
Are you fond of all these new age diets? If so, then you might be familiar with the Mediterranean diet. For those who have just heard of it, this is actually an eating pattern that is considered by some to be a “gold standard”.
It is based on the traditional foods and drinks in the countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea. It is composed mainly of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish. Unhealthy fats, such as butter, are eliminated by using instead some splash of olive oil, canola oil and a glass of red wine. Red meat is also limited to not more than a few times a month and primarily eating plant-based foods. Adding to that, the diet also encourages people to enjoy meals with family and friends.
According to a recently released study, the Mediterranean diet can reduce the “bad cholesterol” levels in men with high risks for heart disease, even if it doesn’t create weight loss.
The study comprised of 19 men who are within the ages 24-62 with a metabolic syndrome. This means that they have three or more major risk factors that can lead to heart disease and stroke.
The researchers have the men eat a standard American diet. This comprised of a lot of red meat, carbohydrate, sugar and fats. They had this for a span of five weeks which is then followed by a Mediterranean diet for the next five weeks. Afterwards, all of the study participants underwent a weight loss regimen which is then followed by another five-week Mediterranean diet plan.
Results showed that the men were not able to lose weight during the course of the study, but they were able to show a 9% decrease in “bad cholesterol”.
According to Caroline Richard, the registered dietician who is also the lead study author, the Mediterranean diet “may be recommended for effective management of the metabolic syndrome and its related risk of cardiovascular disease”.
The data and conclusion in this study is considered to still be preliminary. It is yet to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal. But this is not new for the Mediterranean diet because it has already been commended to have heart-healthy benefits in the past as was mentioned in the New England Journal of medicine.
But you have to remember that no matter what name it is called, a healthy diet would always tell you to keep things in moderation but also emphasizing on healthier options. Choose to lower cholesterol levels first before you go on tipping the scales backwards. This is a healthier way to approach the problem, and mind you, weight loss can follow suit.
You can steer clear from high cholesterol levels when you wisely choose your meats and fats. But another way to do so is by using a good anti-cholesterol supplement. You don’t have to rely on such products, but if you have to add it into your daily health regimen be sure to choose one that comes with natural ingredients.
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