Mediterranean Style Diet Now Considered Safe
Aaron Wilmot
July 21, 2008
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) have done a 2-year study regarding the safety of Mediterranean type diets and have found that the low carbohydrate diet may be as safe as medically prescribed low fat diets.
The 2-year study conducted by the BGU followed 322 moderately obese subjects. They were randomly assigned one of three diets:
1. Mediterranean diet, calorie-restricted/ high fiber/high monounsaturated fat
2. Low-fat calorie restricted diet
3. Low-carb/high fat/ high protein and cholesterol diet with no caloric restrictions.
After two years, the net weight loss for those on the Low Fat Diet was 6.5 lbs compared to 10.3 lbs on the Low Carbohydrate diet and 10 lbs on the Mediterranean Diet. The HDL ratio was lowered by 12 % for those on the Low Carbohydrate/high fat/high protein diet as compared to 20% for those one the Low Carbohydrate Diet. Lipids also improved the most in the Low Carbohydrate Diet group and they had a 14% drop in Triglyceride levels. .
However, the Diabetic participants on the Mediterranean diet markedly improved their fasting glucose levels. The levels decreased by 33mg/dL in the Mediterranean group where as the Low Fat Diet group saw an increase in the fasting glucose levels by 23mg/dL.
It is the hope of the researchers that the large participation in the study, along with the duration of it will open up medical clinicians to consider the low fat Mediterranean Diet to be a safe alternative for dieters. This study shows the health benefits can be achieved along with weight loss on the Mediterranean diet. More information and research relating to this topic can be found at the
Biopathics health and medical Blog
In general, people from the Mediterranean sea region tend to be among the longest living folks on the planet. Another possible reason for their remarkable longevity is the relatively large quantity of maring oils which are consumed. Fish is very high in long chain omega-3 fatty acids dha and epa. High fish consumption seems to be a common link between long living people, as other longevity zones such as japan and Iceland also feature a diet rich in seafood. Many studies seem to indicate that omega-3 fatty acids can promote heart health and artery elasticity in general.
The 2-year study conducted by the BGU followed 322 moderately obese subjects. They were randomly assigned one of three diets:
1. Mediterranean diet, calorie-restricted/ high fiber/high monounsaturated fat
2. Low-fat calorie restricted diet
3. Low-carb/high fat/ high protein and cholesterol diet with no caloric restrictions.
After two years, the net weight loss for those on the Low Fat Diet was 6.5 lbs compared to 10.3 lbs on the Low Carbohydrate diet and 10 lbs on the Mediterranean Diet. The HDL ratio was lowered by 12 % for those on the Low Carbohydrate/high fat/high protein diet as compared to 20% for those one the Low Carbohydrate Diet. Lipids also improved the most in the Low Carbohydrate Diet group and they had a 14% drop in Triglyceride levels. .
However, the Diabetic participants on the Mediterranean diet markedly improved their fasting glucose levels. The levels decreased by 33mg/dL in the Mediterranean group where as the Low Fat Diet group saw an increase in the fasting glucose levels by 23mg/dL.
It is the hope of the researchers that the large participation in the study, along with the duration of it will open up medical clinicians to consider the low fat Mediterranean Diet to be a safe alternative for dieters. This study shows the health benefits can be achieved along with weight loss on the Mediterranean diet. More information and research relating to this topic can be found at the
Biopathics health and medical Blog
In general, people from the Mediterranean sea region tend to be among the longest living folks on the planet. Another possible reason for their remarkable longevity is the relatively large quantity of maring oils which are consumed. Fish is very high in long chain omega-3 fatty acids dha and epa. High fish consumption seems to be a common link between long living people, as other longevity zones such as japan and Iceland also feature a diet rich in seafood. Many studies seem to indicate that omega-3 fatty acids can promote heart health and artery elasticity in general.
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