MADRID, May 31, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A Mediterranean-style diet, including
abundant quantities of virgin olive oil, gives protections against diabetes, a
Spanish study has shown.
A study being published in the latest issue of the British Medical Journal
followed the eating habits of 13,000 graduates from the University of Navarra
for eight years from 1999 to 2007. The results found those who stuck closely to
a Mediterranean diet had an 83 per cent lower risk of developing diabetes, even
though many were considered to have the highest risk factors for diabetes such
as age, family history of diabetes and a personal history of smoking.
"Substantial protection against diabetes can be obtained with the traditional
Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, vegetables, fruit, nuts, cereals, legumes
and fish, but relatively low in meat and dairy products," said Professor
Martinez-Gonzalez to The Independent newspaper.
The study also found that people who eat a Mediterranean diet are less likely to
be obese, have lower risks of breast and bowel cancer, and half the risk of lung
disease. Tests also showed that the diet reduced the possibility of Alzheimer's
by 40 per cent.
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