Mediterranean Diet Can Lower Cholesterol

Obesity has been attributed to high cholesterol levels. However, a new study finds levels of bad cholesterol can be reduced by the consumption of the Mediterranean diet, although weight does not go down.

The study, presented at the Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology 2013 Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association shows consumption of a Mediterranean diet may lower bad cholesterol. Although there was no significant weight loss in participants.

 
The study involved 19 men between the ages of 24-62 years who all had metabolic syndrome. This syndrome is known to be a contributing factor of heart disease and diabetes. Oang with this condition also have blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI, and high cholesterol.
 
Team of researchers asked the participants ate a standard American diet is rich in meat, sugar, carbohydrates, and fats for five weeks. The next five weeks, food consumption was changed to the Mediterranean diet.

After that, all participants following a weight loss program for 20 weeks and re-run the Mediterranean diet for five weeks. Results showed that although the weight does not fall during the study participants, their cholesterol levels dropped by 9 percent.

Because these findings have not been published, the results are considered as preliminary. Previously, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine proved that the consumption of this diet can reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.