According to researchers at Tufts University, high-protein weight-loss diets may be effective and safe except for people prone to kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, and people with diabetes. Long-term effects on bone health – osteoporosis, specifically – might be a problem. High-protein weight-loss diets have been popular for a while. “Protein Power” by Drs. Michael [...]
Entries from June 2009
June 29, 2009
Mediterranean Diet Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
The traditional Mediterranean diet has long been associated with lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia. The diet is rich in olive oil, fruits, nuts, cereals, vegetables, and fish but relatively low in dairy products and meat. Several recent studies suggest the Mediterranean diet may also help prevent type 2 diabetes. Researchers at the University [...]
June 25, 2009
Which Components of the Mediterranean Diet Prolong Life?
Researchers at Harvard and the University of Athens (Greece) report that the following specific components of the Mediterranean diet are associated with lower rates of death: moderate ethanol (alcohol) consumption low meat and meat product intake high vegetable consumption high fruit and nut consumption high ratio of monounsaturated fat to saturated fat high legume intake Minimal, if any, contribution to [...]
June 25, 2009
Mediterranean Diet Cuts Risk of Diabetes After Heart Attack
In a blog post last year I discussed how the Mediterranean diet reduces the incidence of type 2 diabetes in healthy people. I found another scientific journal article that examined the effect of various lifestyle factors that might influence the onset of type 2 diabetes in a different population: people who have had a recent [...]
June 23, 2009
Comparison of Mediterranean, Low-Carb, and Low-Fat Weight-Loss Diets
The July 17, 2008, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine has a well-done study comparing the Mediterranean, low-carb, and low-fat weight-loss diets in an Israeli population over the course of two years. The researchers conclude that “Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets may be effective alternatives to low-fat diets. The more favorable effects on lipids (with [...]
June 19, 2009
Fiber and Systemic Inflammation
High dietary fiber intake helps prevent constipation, diverticular disease, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, and perhaps colon polyps. Soluble fiber helps control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, and it reduces LDL cholesterol levels, thereby reducing risks of coronary heart disease. An article in the journal Nutrition suggests how fiber may have beneficial effects in [...]
