Is there any condition that the Mediterranean diet can’t make better? Numerous studies have suggested that this style of eating can protect your heart and brain. Now, you can add bones to that list. The latest research findings suggest that seniors who adhere to the Mediterranean-like diet can experience slower bone loss.
Osteoporosis is a common bone disease in seniors, especially senior women, and it increases the risk of fractures that can lead to health complications. Although there are some treatments to aid in the slowing of disease progression, finding a natural method such as a diet to stick to is far more effective.
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The study looked at 1,000 seniors for a year where one group adopted a Mediterranean-like diet, and the other group did not.
The Mediterranean-like diet did not have an impact on those participants with normal bone density, but in those with low bone density, it did manage to help slow down bone loss.
Study author Susan J. Fairweather-Tait commented on the findings explaining, “So, the fact [that] we were able to see a marked difference between the groups even in just this one area is significant.”
The diet that the participants adhered to consisted of a high amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and fish; small amounts of meat and dairy produce; and a moderate amount of alcohol.
This particular study only looked at participants for a year. Future studies need to be longer. In the meantime, the researchers suggest that there is no harm in following a Mediterranean-like diet. As mentioned, it’s already been shown to improve heart and brain health.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
