Mediterranean regimen works better for wealthy people, research finds

That doesn't mean individuals and families on a tight budget can't afford to follow the Mediterranean diet, Salge Blake stressed. She noted the Mediterranean diet contains legumes, such as dried beans and peas, which are extremely affordable. Many of the most nutritionally valuable foods in the Mediterranean diet -- including fish, olive oil and produce -- aren't cheap. The Mediterranean diet -- rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil, nuts and whole grains -- has long been hailed as a heart-healthy eating plan. "Other plant oils -- such as soybean oil -- are healthy and affordable, so you don't have to consume only olive oil," Salge Blake said.

The Mediterranean regimen works for the wealthy and well-educated — Quartz

"Adhering optimally to a Mediterranean diet is not enough," co-author and epidemiologist Marialaura Bonaccio told Quartz via email. That wasn't terribly surprising: previous studies have linked the plant-rich diet to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. "Other factors beyond quantity and frequency of Mediterranean food appear to influence future health outcomes: one of them may be quality of foods."A Mediterranean diet consists primarily of plant-based foods, with smaller proportions of seafood, dairy products, and meat. Meanwhile, higher-income study subjects ate more whole grain breads, fruits, nuts, and fish, and fewer meat products than subjects with lower incomes. Those of lower socioeconomic status saw no benefits.


We've long heard that the Mediterranean Diet is how all of us should eat. They found that the Mediterranean Diet reduced the risk of heart disease by 15 percent - but only for people who made more than approximately $46,000 a year. RELATED STORIES:Less shrinkage: This is your aging brain on the Mediterranean dietMediterranean diet: A sample menu2 diets that may help ward off Alzheimer's The diet has been studied for its effects on heart disease, weight loss, cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. "Price is a major determinant of food choice, and healthful foods generally cost more than unhealthful foods in the United States," that study said.


collected by :Lucy William