The Mediterranean food pattern: a good recipe for patients with the metabolic syndrome

Abstract

The metabolic syndrome is a complex condition characterized by dyslipidaemia, high blood pressure, impaired glucose tolerance and abdominal fat accumulation. Subjects with the metabolic syndrome are at high risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. A comprehensive approach is required for patients suffering this cluster of clinical manifestations. Indeed, subjects with the metabolic syndrome could benefit from life-style modifications, particularly through exercise and diet. In this article, the evidence regarding the role of diet, in particular the role of food patterns based on the Mediterranean-style diet, in preventing and treating the metabolic syndrome are reviewed. Keywords Mediterranean diet · Metabolic syndrome · Diet IntroductionThere are many definitions of the metabolic syndrome, being still a matter of debate ( Table 1). The metabolic syndrome has its origins in 1923 when Kylin described a syndrome involving hypertension, hyperglycaemia and hyperuricaemia [1]. Later, Vague in 1947 linked abdominal obesity to metabolic abnormalities (i.e. diabetes, atherosclerosis, gout and calculi) [2]. In 1967, Avogaro et al. described six obese patients with diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia, and marked hypertriglyceridaemia, all of whom improved on a hypocaloric and low-carbohydrate diet [3]. In the 1970s, Phillips suggested associations of aging, obesity and sex hormone-associated clinical manifestations with heart disease [4,5]. In the late 1980s, Reaven proposed insulin resistance as the critical factor and coined the name syndrome-X [6].However, the most extensive definitions were established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATPIII). In these definitions an enhanced cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio is considered a factor in the metabolic syndrome as well as elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, atherogenic dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance, hypertension, abdominal obesity and elevated levels of several inflammatory markers [7,8]. In 2005 the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) emphasized abdominal obesity as the initiating factor in metabolic syndrome [9]. Although the definition of the metabolic syndrome makes little difference to prognosis [10,11], the IDF definition appears to be the most useful in clinical practice and considers different ethnic-related definitions of obesity.Each of the abnormalities promotes atherosclerosis independently, but the clustering of risk factors signifi- cantly reduces the quality of life [12] and increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Indeed, the metabolic syndrome has been associated with an approximate twofold increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a European population [13]. The risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is significantly higher among people with metabolic syndrome [14] even in the absence of baseline health conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes [15].The INTER...

Exclusive olive oil consumption was favorably associated with metabolic indices and lifestyle factors in schoolchildren

“…Furthermore, unhealthy dietary habits such as skipping breakfast, frequent fast food intake and regular sweet consumption decreased the odds of being an olive oil consumer. Strong evidence support the notion that olive oil consumption is an integral key feature of the MD as it is the exclusive source of added fat [7,36,37]. In accordance with our results, a study among Greek adults reported that those consuming olive oil exclusively also reported higher consumption of legumes, fish, fruits and vegetables, reflecting a dietary pattern close to the MD [38].…”

Influencia de la dieta sobre marcadores plasmáticos de estrés oxidativo en humanos

“…Así, el efecto beneficioso de la dieta mediterránea sobre los marcadores de estrés oxidativo está asociado, posiblemente, a la sinergia entre los macro y micronutrientes procedentes de alimentos que caracterizan este patrón dietético 45,46 . Los efectos favorables del consumo de la dieta mediterránea, durante 6 meses, se han hallado sobre los niveles plasmáticos de TBARS y actividad de la enzima GSH-Pox Tabla 5).…”

The Mediterranean diet for Polish infants: a losing struggle or a battle still worth fighting?

“…When dietary fats are added, in accordance with the traditional Mediterranean diet, olive oil is the choice for children [ 17 ]. It has been repeatedly observed that individuals applying the Mediterranean diet have reduced risks of type 2 diabetes and other diseases associated with the metabolic syndrome, autoimmunological diseases, and certain forms of cancer [ 18 ]. Moreover, considerable evidence exists that the Mediterranean diet increases quality of life in the course of ageing, as well as longevity [ 13 , 19 ].…”