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This week on the Olive Health Information System website
The newsletter of the University of Navarra and the IOC dedicated to health
The Mediterranean diet is a diet rich in plant-based foods, whose hallmark is the liberal consumption of olive oil, which represents its main culinary fat. It is widely regarded as a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, offering benefits across various areas of health. Recent studies have highlighted its positive impact on bone health in children, its role in the treatment of endometriosis, its effectiveness in preventing frailty among the elderly, and its potential to reduce healthcare costs.
Focusing first on bone health in childhood, a cross-sectional study conducted in Poland on children aged 3 to 7 years found a significant association, particularly in girls, between adherence to an adapted version of the Mediterranean diet and improved bone quality, as measured by ultrasound. These findings underscore the importance of a balanced diet from an early age to support optimal bone development.
In addition to its benefits for bone health, the Mediterranean diet has shown promise in managing endometriosis, a condition affecting millions of women worldwide. This diet, rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, has been linked to a reduction in symptoms and an overall improvement in quality of life for patients. Emerging strategies, such as modulation of the gut microbiota and the use of artificial intelligence, are currently being explored to better understand their role in the management of this chronic disease.
For older adults, the Mediterranean diet also offers a powerful tool for preventing frailty, a growing concern as the global population ages. Greater adherence to this dietary pattern has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing frailty. When combined with physical activity and good nutrition, the Mediterranean diet may be key to improving quality of life in later years, reducing the need for extensive care
Beyond its health benefits, the Mediterranean diet can also provide economic advantages. A recent study conducted in the Utrecht Cardiovascular Cohort-Secondary Manifestations of ARTerial disease (UCC-SMART) found that individuals with cardiovascular disease who followed this diet, along with regular physical activity, not only improved their cardiovascular health but also reduced healthcare costs. These individuals gained up to two additional years of healthy life and three additional years free from recurrent cardiovascular disease.
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