The Mediterranean diet has long been considered one of the healthiest diets. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases (including cancer, sleep and bowel problems). But recent research suggests that a slightly modified version of this diet, called the Atlantic diet, may be even healthier.
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The Atlantic Diet takes inspiration from the traditional eating habits of people living in northwestern Spain and Portugal. Like the Mediterranean diet, it is characterized by eating local, fresh and minimally processed seasonal foods such as vegetables, fruits, fish, whole grains, nuts, beans and olive oil. But unlike the Mediterranean diet, the Atlantic diet also includes moderate amounts of meat products (including pork), as well as starchy vegetables such as potatoes.
The Atlantic diet may reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, according to a recent study. This combination of high blood pressure, high blood fat, obesity and high blood sugar can all lead to heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
The researchers conducted what is called a secondary analysis. This meant they analyzed data from a previous Atlantic diet study, the GALIAT Atlantic Diet study, to better understand its effects. This was a six-month randomized clinical trial involving more than 500 participants, grouped by family.
As part of the GALIAT study, families were divided into two groups. One group followed the Atlantic diet for 6 months. The second group, which served as acontrol, adhered to her usual diet and lifestyle.
In the initial study of the GALIAT diet, researchers found that the group following the Atlantic diet lost weight, while those in the control group gained weight. The Atlantic diet group also saw an improvement in one type of cholesterol, although other types of cholesterol remained the same. There were also no changes in their blood pressure or blood sugar levels.
In a recent secondary analysis of this study, researchers found that overall, participants on the Atlantic diet had a significantly lower risk of developing metabolic syndrome compared to those on the Atlantic diet. control group. They also found that following the Atlantic diet reduced the risk of obesity, waist circumference and cholesterol levels (especially high-density lipoprotein).
But although the Atlantic diet had an overall effect on reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome, it did not have a large effect on certain aspects of the metabolic syndrome. Specifically, the researchers saw no benefit from the Atlantic diet on blood pressure, blood sugar, or fat levels.
Overall, the study suggests that following the Atlantic diet may be beneficial for weight control, which , in turn, may reduce the risk of some long-term chronic diseases (such as cardiovascular disease).