Mediterranean Diet and Cardiovascular Disease: A Critical Evaluation of A Priori Dietary Indexes

Nutrients

Annunziata D𠆚lessandro¹ 

[1] Endocrinologist, General Practitioner, General Medicine ASL BA/4 D.S.S. 8, viale Japigia 38/G, Bari 70126, Italy

关键词: Mediterranean diet;    cardiovascular disease;    coronary heart disease;    cerebrovascular disease;    a priori dietary indexes;   

DOI  :  10.3390/nu7095367

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

The aim of this paper is to analyze the a priori dietary indexes used in the studies that have evaluated the role of the Mediterranean Diet in influencing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. All the studies show that this dietary pattern protects against cardiovascular disease, but studies show quite different effects on specific conditions such as coronary heart disease or cerebrovascular disease. A priori dietary indexes used to measure dietary exposure imply quantitative and/or qualitative divergences from the traditional Mediterranean Diet of the early 1960s, and, therefore, it is very difficult to compare the results of different studies. Based on real cultural heritage and traditions, we believe that the a priori indexes used to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean Diet should consider classifying whole grains and refined grains, olive oil and monounsaturated fats, and wine and alcohol differently.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.