Mediterranean and vegetarian diet, how good are they for your heart?
Some previous studies have shown that a Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, as does a vegetarian diet.
Some previous studies have shown that a Mediterranean diet reduces certain risk factors for cardiovascular disease, as does a vegetarian diet. However, this was the first study to compare the effects of both. The current study authors said they wanted to evaluate whether switching to a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet would also be heart healthy in people accustomed to eating meat and fish. “To better evaluate this issue, we decided to compare a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet with a Mediterranean diet in the same group of people.” Said Francesco Sofi, MD, Ph.D. Lead author of the study. The study included 107 healthy, but overweight participants, all between 18 and 75 years old, who were randomly assigned to follow a low-calorie vegetarian diet for three months. This included dairy and eggs, or a low-calorie Mediterranean diet for three months. The Mediterranean diet included poultry, fish, and some red meat, as well as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. After three months, the participants changed diets. Most participants were able to maintain both without problem.
Results
The researchers found that participants on either diet:
- lost approximately 3 pounds of body fat.
- lost about 4 pounds of weight overall.
- experienced around the same change in body mass index The authors said they found two differences between the diets that may be notable. The vegetarian diet was more effective in reducing LDL (the “bad”) cholesterol, while the Mediterranean diet produced a greater reduction in triglycerides, high levels of which increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Still, “the message from our study is that a low-calorie lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet can help patients reduce cardiovascular risks. Almost the same as a low-calorie Mediterranean diet,” Sofi said. “People have more than one option for a heart-healthy diet.” And with this, we as experts have many more options to offer our patients when it comes to recommending a change in their eating habits.
