A new study by American scientists has proven that the Mediterranean diet, that is, a set of useful eating habits, typical of Italians, Greeks and other inhabitants of this region, helps to be active throughout life.
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Scientists from Harvard Medical School have concluded that the Mediterranean diet can prevent senile weakness and make a person's life more active. The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. This type of diet is rich in olive oil, nuts, beans, fish, seafood, fruits and vegetables, and moderate wine consumption, but is low in dairy products and red meat.
Decrepitude, that is, a state of increased vulnerability resulting from the decline in the function of many physiological systems, affects 10-15% of older people and leads to various health problems. While the overall benefits of the Mediterranean diet are well known, its role in reducing frailty in the elderly has remained unclear.
The study involved 2384 healthy adults. Over the course of 11 years, they were assessed for a Mediterranean diet and intake of antioxidants (vitamins C, E and total carotenoids) in combination with frailty scores. Each point higher on the Mediterranean Diet scale (i.e. higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet) reduced the likelihood of weakness by 3%.
Moreover, a higher intake of carotenoids (an antioxidant commonly found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables) had the strongest association with reduced likelihood of developing frailty in middle and old age. “Increasing consumption of brightly colored fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids as well as other bioactive compounds may ultimately affect the health of older adults,” said Dr. Shivani Sahni, senior author of the study.
Earlier to US scientists managed to establish the molecular mechanism underlying the previously noted anti-cancer effect of the Mediterranean diet, and the Spanish ones to identify its positive effect on the preservation of cognitive abilities in older people.