Mediterranean diet praised for its benefits for women’s heart health, research shows

In a recent study published in the journal Nutrients, Australian researchers reviewed the evidence regarding the Mediterranean diet (MD) and cardiovascular health outcomes in women.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women worldwide. Nutrition plays a vital role in modifying cardiovascular risk factors and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. MD is the most recommended diet internationally and includes high intakes of plant foods and monounsaturated fats, moderate intakes of seafood and dairy products, and low intakes of red and processed meat. It’s a feature. In this study, we reviewed current knowledge regarding the impact of her MD on her CVD prevention in women.

Review: Cardiovascular disease and the Mediterranean diet: Insights into sex-specific responses

Cardioprotective benefits

Research suggests cardioprotective benefits due to the synergistic effects of key food components in MD. MD is associated with improvements in lipid profile, blood pressure, vascular function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers. Studies have shown that the hypolipidemic effect of MD may be due to the (higher) intake of mono- and polyunsaturated fats from plant foods and fish.

Increasing your intake of phytosterols and fiber may also help absorb cholesterol. Additionally, MD is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and flavonoids that exert anti-inflammatory properties and reduce oxidative stress. Additionally, increased antioxidants may reduce reactive oxygen species while increasing nitric oxide bioavailability, thereby improving blood pressure and vascular function.

Possible mechanisms associated with the Mediterranean diet and its components and their effects on cardiovascular health. TMAO, trimethylamine N-oxide; CVD, cardiovascular disease.

Gender-specific nutritional mechanisms

Biological sex is an important factor in cardiovascular disease. The mechanistic interaction between MD and gender remains unclear, and studies investigating this relationship are limited. A pilot study revealed a sexually dimorphic response to MD. Specifically, MD adherent females showed upregulation of apolipoprotein E and angiotensin-converting enzyme compared to males.

Animal studies have also reported sex differences in gut microbiota, metabolism, and hormonal interactions. For example, male mice fed a high-fat diet had increased insulin resistance and weight gain, while female mice had increased amounts of beneficial microorganisms. Evolutionary pressures on dietary behavior, nutritional requirements, and physiology may explain the relationship between dietary patterns and sex.

Sexually dimorphic feeding behavior has been common since before the Neolithic period. Females often gather fruits and vegetables, while males hunt and consume more high-fat foods and animal protein to meet their energy needs. Therefore, prehistoric sex roles may have altered the nutritional metabolism and energy requirements of both sexes.

Current evidence on cardiovascular health

Studies have revealed that increased MD adherence decreases CVD risk. A large prospective cohort study of more than 74,000 women in the United States reported that higher MD adherence was associated with a 29% lower risk of coronary heart disease. Some studies have shown that MD has a greater impact on CVD risk reduction in men than in women, while other studies have reported significant effects only in women.

Various studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of MD on blood pressure. However, research focusing on women is limited. Additionally, MD is associated with a significantly lower risk of her type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and improved glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood sugar levels.

In women, studies have reported benefits of MD, including lower rates of T2DM and improved insulin resistance and metabolic markers. Additionally, a Canadian study reported that MD adherence was associated with lower body weight, body mass index (BMI), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and total cholesterol. In particular, men had greater decreases in BMI and weight than women.

Risk factors specific to women

It is important to establish appropriate treatments and prevention methods for cardiovascular diseases and reduce the burden on people with risk factors specific to women (pregnancy complications, polycystic ovary syndrome). [PCOS], an autoimmune disease common in women). A Chinese study of 72 overweight patients with PCOS reported that a low-carbohydrate MD significantly reduced anthropometric and metabolic measurements compared to a low-fat diet.

Numerous meta-analyses have revealed that women with gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, or preterm birth have an almost twice as high risk of future cardiovascular events. Nutritional supplementation and customized dietary recommendations are associated with improved birth outcomes in malnourished women. The short-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids found in MD foods are essential during pregnancy.

Autoimmune conditions can occur at any age and present with a variety of symptoms. It is speculated that there is a genetic susceptibility to autoimmunity in women compared to men due to the X chromosome. Nevertheless, autoimmune diseases are associated with increased CVD risk in both men and women, but given their prevalence in women, these diseases are likely to be more common risk factors in women.

conclusion

Taken together, current evidence supports the benefits of MD in diverse populations, including women at high CVD risk. Nevertheless, future research on cardiovascular health requires greater female representation and gender dimorphism and female-specific data. Additionally, additional research is needed to determine whether MD is more beneficial than other diets for women-specific symptoms.