Pesco-Mediterranean Diet, A Healthy Diet for Optimizing Cardiovascular Health, Study Suggests

According to a new research study, researchers have suggested that Pesco-Mediterranean diet, a diet that includes whole grains, plants, nuts, fish or seafood, and extra-virgin olive oil is essential for improving cardiovascular health. Moreover, researchers also reported that intermittent fasting is suggested as a part of this diet. Moreover, traditional Mediterranean diet has been recommended by national guidelines as well as the 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease. Several studies in the recent past and randomized clinical trials have specified that Mediterranean diet is linked with lower risk for diabetes, heart disease, cognitive decline, depression, and some cancers.

James H. O'Keefe, lead author of the study stated, “Although humans are omnivores and can subsist on a myriad of foods, the ideal diet for health remains a dilemma for many people. Plant-rich diets reduce cardiovascular disease risk; however, veganism are difficult to follow and can result in important nutrient deficiencies. On the other hand, many people in modern Western cultures over-consume meat, particularly highly processed meat from animals raised in inhuman conditions. We propose the Pesco-Mediterranean diet as a solution to this 'omnivore's dilemma' about what to eat.”

In addition, extra-virgin olive oil is considered as an integral part of a Pesco-Mediterranean diet, which butter or other fats. Moreover, several studies have shown that extra-virgin olive oil, which is a higher-quality, unrefined olive oil, have exhibited cardio metabolic benefits such as it aids in reducing low density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol and increases high density lipoprotein or good cholesterol. Pesco-Mediterranean diet also include tree nuts, in order to provide an supplementary source of healthy fats and fibers, and its consumption further lowers the risk of heart disease.

Researchers also emphasized about intermittent fasting that regulates daily intake of calories in a specific time frame of 8 to 12 hours each day. This fasting have exhibited its ability in reducing inflammation and enhances insulin sensitivity.