Adhering to a Mediterranean Lifestyle Lowers Risk of All-Cause and Cancer Mortality: Study
People who follow a Mediterranean lifestyle have a lower risk of all-cause and cancer mortality, according to a new study conducted by La Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The study, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, suggests that adopting a Mediterranean diet and lifestyle outside of its region of origin can be beneficial for non-Mediterranean populations.
The researchers analyzed data from 110,799 participants in the UK Biobank cohort study, which covered England, Wales, and Scotland. They used the Mediterranean Lifestyle (MEDLIFE) index, which included a lifestyle questionnaire and diet assessments, to assess the participants’ adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle.
The MEDLIFE index measured three categories: Mediterranean food consumption, Mediterranean dietary habits, and physical activity, rest, and social habits and conviviality. Each category was scored to determine the level of adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle.
The researchers then followed up with the participants nine years later to examine their health outcomes. The results showed an inverse association between adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle and the risk of mortality. Participants with higher MEDLIFE scores had a 29% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a 28% lower risk of cancer mortality compared to those with lower scores.
Furthermore, adherence to each MEDLIFE category independently was associated with lower risks of all-cause and cancer mortality. The category related to physical activity, rest, and social habits and conviviality showed the strongest association with reduced risks. It was also linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.
The study’s findings highlight the transferability of the Mediterranean lifestyle and its positive effects on health, even outside of the Mediterranean region. Lead author Mercedes Sotos Prieto, from La Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and Harvard Chan School, suggests that non-Mediterranean populations can adopt the Mediterranean diet using locally available products and incorporate the overall lifestyle into their own cultural contexts.
Overall, this research emphasizes the importance of healthy eating habits, such as consuming fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limiting added salts and sugars. It also underscores the significance of engaging in physical activity, practicing healthy habits around meals, and socializing with friends and loved ones.
In conclusion, adhering to a Mediterranean lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of all-cause and cancer mortality. By incorporating elements of the diet and lifestyle into their own cultural contexts, individuals from non-Mediterranean populations can experience the health benefits associated with this approach. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of adopting a Mediterranean lifestyle as a means of promoting overall health and well-being.
