Tag Archives: Mediterranean Diet

June 15, 2009 · 2:00 AM

Misleading “Mediterranean Diet” Headline at the Washington Post

Perhaps you read the December 17, 2008, Washington Post (online) article, “Mediterranean-Style Diet Best for Blood Sugar Control.”

The same headline was used by MedlinePlus: Trusted Health Information for You, a service of the U.S. government.  The two articles may be exactly the same.

A physician spokeswoman for the American Heart Association is quoted in the story saying that “…the best diet is a Mediterranean-type diet…”

I mention this only because the Canadian study to which she refers is not a test of the Mediterranean diet in people with diabetes.

[Did you know that some people with diabetes are offended if you call them “diabetics”?  To call them diabetics defines them by their disease.  They’re not diseases, they’re individual humans.]

There are certainly some studies indicating that the traditional Mediterranean diet may be a good one for people with diabetes, and that the Mediterranean diet can prevent type 2 diabetes, but this Canadian study is not one of them.

Steve Parker, M.D.

Reference:  Jenkins, David,  et al.  Effect of a Low-Glycemic Index or High-Cereal Fiber Diet on Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Trial.  Journal of the American Medical Association, 300 (2008): 2,742-2,753.

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June 13, 2009 · 2:00 AM

Health Benefits of Nuts

You just don't see sickly squirrels. Hmmm . . .

You just don't see sickly squirrels. Hmmm . . .

I frequently check in at CalorieLab for up-to-date nutrition news.

Karen Collins, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., was a guest contributor there March 14, 2009, writing about the potential health benefits of nuts.  I was aware of the cardiovascular benefits; she taught me about possible salutary effects on cancer and diabetes.

From my own literature review, the cardiac benefits are associated with a nut “dose” of three to five 1-ounce servings a week.

Last December, I blogged about reversal of metabolic syndrome with a Mediterranean Diet supplemented with nuts.

I recommend Ms. Collins’ article to you. 

Steve Parker, M.D.

Reference:  Albert, Christine, et al.  Nut consumption and decreased risk of sudden cardiac death in the Physicians’ Health Study.  Archives of Internal Medicine, 162, (2002): 1,382-1,387.

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May 9, 2009 · 8:00 AM

May is “Mediterranean Month”

42-15584214Oldways and the Mediterranean Foods Alliance announce that May is Mediterranean Month.  It’s a way to promote healthy Mediterranean-style eating.

I can’t think of any other organization that’s done more than Oldways to spread the gospel about the Mediterranean diet.

In this context, “diet” refers to a habitual way of eating rather than a weight-loss program.

But who is Mediterranean Foods Alliance?  From their website, MFA “is a group of devoted partners (health professionals, scientists, food companies, retailers, culinary experts, and media) working together to help people eat better with the Mediterranean Diet.”

Mediterranean Month features include:

* Mediterranean diet recipe contest (with prizes!)
* 7-day Mediterranean diet meal plan
* budget-friendly recipes
* Mediterranean Month Calendar Tips for incorporating the Mediterranean diet into your life

Click on the links in the first paragraph for details.

Steve Parker, M.D.

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May 8, 2009 · 8:45 AM

Health Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

2108988Medical News Today on May 6, 2009, published a comprehensive review of the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet.  Click here to read.  It’s definitely worth your time if you’re not already sold on the Mediterranean diet.

My only point of disagreement is regarding whether the Mediterranean diet lowers your risk of obesity.  MNT says “yes.”  The studies I’ve read are inconclusive.

Steve Parker, M.D.

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