Mediterranean Diet And Mortality

The Study

The research literature consistently shows that the Mediterranean diet is the most effective diet for reducing risk of chronic disease. In this interesting study, 25,315 women from the Women’s Health Study had their diet measured and were watched for 25 years.

Subjects following a Mediterranean diet had an 11% lower risk of dying from any cause when compared to subjects not following a Mediterranean diet.

JAMA Network Open. 2024;7(5):e2414322

Take Home Message

The fact that the Mediterranean diet reduced mortality in this investigation is really not a surprise, many studies have shown this. What makes this study special is that the researchers took 33 biomarkers from each subject at baseline in order to get some insight into just why this diet is so effective at reducing disease.

The biomarkers that were most different for those strictly following a Mediterranean diet showed a reduced insulin resistance, body mass index, triglycerides and inflammatory markers. These are likely the ways that a Mediterranean diet offers protection from chronic disease. 

A Mediterranean diet is high in fruits, vegetable, legumes, whole grains, poultry, seafood and nuts and low in refined carbs, sugar, red meat and processed meats. This is a great way to eat for your health.