The Mediterranean diet: is it cardioprotective?
Coronary heart disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Dietary interventions are first-line therapy for coronary heart disease prevention and treatment. Increasing scientific evidence suggests that the traditional Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The cardiovascular benefits of this whole-diet approach may outweigh those of typically prescribed low-fat diets. The burden of coronary heart disease is enormous, and nutritional approaches that optimize cardiovascular health are essential. Clinical trial evidence supporting the role of the Mediterranean diet in cardiovascular health is presented with an emphasis on the physiological effects of omega-3 fatty acids. Implications for clinical practice and future research are also discussed.
Bautista
Marita C
MC
University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
Engler
Margurite M
MM
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000009:adverse effects; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D015444:Exercise; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008612:Menu Planning; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control; D009017:Morbidity; D024802:Nurse's Role; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education; D000069463:Olive Oil; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010938:Plant Oils; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014920:Wine
D004041:Dietary Fats; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D000069463:Olive Oil; D010938:Plant Oils