Mediterranean diet fine for people on statin medications
12 July 2002
GPs may now advise people with coronary heart disease (CHD) who are on statins (medications commonly used to lower lipids such as cholesterol) that a Mediterranean-style diet is just as good for their cholesterol levels as a low-fat diet.
An Australian study, funded by the International Olive Oil Council, found that after a year, statin users with proven heart disease (shown by angiogram) who ate a Mediterranean diet had similar lipid improvements to those on a low-fat diet.
The study measured total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol (the so-called 'good' cholesterol), LDL cholesterol (the so-called 'bad' cholesterol) and triglycerides in 68 patients, most of whom were taking statins.
Lead researcher David Colquhoun, University of Queensland associate professor of medicine and cardiologist at Wesley and Greenslopes Private hospitals in Brisbane, said most recommendations worldwide were that patients ought to be on a low total fat diet.
But his study showed a diet high in monounsaturated fats (olive/canola oil, nuts, avocados) was just as beneficial. Also, the Mediterranean diet included a variety of vegetables and was vegetarian-like.
'We can now say a Mediterranean diet won't cause deterioration of cholesterol and HDL' he said, adding that patients could be advised to go low fat, Mediterranean or a combination.
'It shows we can offer these patients 2 choices including an option more palatable than low-fat, tasteless steamed vegies.' Professor Colquhoun said.
He will present 12-month findings of the ongoing study at the 73rd European Atherosclerosis Society Congress in Austria this month.
Analysis in one-third of participants followed for 3 years indicates benefits appear to continue.
The 10 commandments
Professor Colquhoun's 10 dietary commandments for a healthy heart are:
Daily
1. multigrain bread
2. fruit/variety of vegetables
Most days
3. handful of nuts
4. glass of wine or beer
5. tomato-based product
At least once a week
6. soy
7. fish
8. avocado
9. less meat
10. avoid cream and butter (olive or canola oil-based margarine is fine; use extra virgin olive oil or canola).
Last Reviewed: 15 July 2002
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 12/7/02
