Mediterranean diet is heard by everyone who deals with nutrition for the heart, at least once. But the “green” Mediterranean diet? A recent study showed that it has a positive effect on vascular aging. What is on your menu for this.
Keeping vessels young means keeping them elastic. This prevents stiffness, which in turn contributes to atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and strokes. Diet plays an important role in this. The “green” Mediterranean diet has a particularly positive effect on blood vessels.
How do experts measure the age of vessels?
“To determine the age of our vessels, cardiologists look at the aorta, the main artery. This is the largest artery in the human body. Vessels depart from it, which transport oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the whole body. As we age, the elastic fibers in the wall of the artery can begin to tear. Therefore, the stiffness of the aorta measures the elasticity of the fibers of the blood vessel wall,” says cardiologist Oleg Varfolomeev especially for MedikForum.
Green Mediterranean diet is healthier
Than green Mediterranean diet?
The traditional Mediterranean diet means: lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, legumes, high fiber whole grains and nuts, little meat, lots of fish and high quality oils like olive oil. The motto of the so-called green Mediterranean diet: even less animals, even more plants.
Mediterranean diet reduces heart attack risk – study
Why do healthy blood vessels need polyphenols?
Polyphenols include flavonoids, anthocyanins and phenolic acids. In the body, they function as a protective screen for the endothelium.
“These are the cells of the inner wall of the vessel. The stronger and healthier they are, the smoother and younger the vessels – and the lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks or strokes.”
What food is best for healthy blood vessels?
Every meal should include vegetables and fruits of different colors. This guarantees the maximum possible number of different polyphenols. The easiest way is with traffic light colors green, yellow, red.
“Example: broccoli and yellow peppers for a main course, perhaps a piece of fish (omega-3 fatty acids), a red apple for dessert, berries depending on the season.”
Previously, MedicalForum wrote about how to reduce blood pressure.
Important! Information provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first sign of illness, consult a doctor.