Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet for the Cardiovascular System: Recent Conclusions

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases still remain the most prevalent cause of death in the world's adult population. These risks increase with age along with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. In this sense, lifestyle changes are enthusiastically recommended in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Among them, there is the proposal of the Mediterranean diet. It is about reducing the consumption of meat and carbohydrates in favor of a higher content of plant foods and monounsaturated fats. The richness of some bioactive components proposed in the Mediterranean diet has been promising for the cardiovascular longevity of the population. That said, the current study aims to highlight recent conclusions about the Mediterranean diet (DMed) and its benefits for the Cardiovascular System (CVS). Methodology: This is a narrative review with priority for studies published in the last 10 years, seeking to establish the influence of the Mediterranean Diet on the cardiovascular system and its likely benefits, as well as its implication in morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Results: A meta-analysis with data from 50 studies and a total of 535,000 individuals concluded that adherence to DMed is associated with a 31% lower risk of metabolic syndrome, with benefit in all its components (hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity, arterial hypertension and atherogenic dyslipidemia). Another meta-analysis of 2,650 subjects reported that DMed is more effective than a low-fat diet in improving different cardiovascular risk factors as well as various inflammatory parameters. Similarly, and confirming previous findings, two recently published meta-analyses -with prospective studies of large cohorts based on clinical events (incidence or mortality) -indicate that a two-point increase on a scale (range 0 to 18 points) Adherence to DMed correlates with a significant 10% reduction in cardiovascular incidence or mortality. Conclusions: The recommendation of a diet consisting of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, vegetables, nuts, olive oil and fish has shown potential for reducing cardiovascular risk according to the body of scientific evidence of the last 10 years.