Mediterranean diet effects on vascular health and serum levels of adipokines and ceramides – 2 Minute Medicine

Breaking News: Mediterranean Diet Linked to Improved Vascular Health and Regulation of Adipokines and Ceramides

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has shed new light on the effects of the Mediterranean diet on vascular health and serum levels of adipokines and ceramides. The findings suggest that adhering to a Mediterranean diet may have a significant impact on reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Study Details

The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), analyzed data from over 900 participants who were part of the PREDIMED (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea) trial. The participants were randomly assigned to one of three diets: a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with mixed nuts, or a control diet.

The researchers found that the Mediterranean diet group had significantly lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers, including adipokines and ceramides, compared to the control group. Adipokines are proteins produced by adipose tissue that play a crucial role in glucose and lipid metabolism, while ceramides are lipids that are involved in cell signaling and have been linked to inflammation and insulin resistance.

Key Findings

The study’s key findings include:

• The Mediterranean diet group had a 20% reduction in adipokine levels compared to the control group.
• The Mediterranean diet group had a 30% reduction in ceramide levels compared to the control group.
• The Mediterranean diet group had a significant improvement in vascular function, as measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), compared to the control group.
• The Mediterranean diet group had a reduced risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular deaths, compared to the control group.

Implications

The study’s findings suggest that the Mediterranean diet may have a beneficial impact on vascular health by reducing inflammation and improving glucose and lipid metabolism. The results also highlight the importance of considering the role of adipokines and ceramides in the development of cardiovascular disease.

What You Need to Know

• The Mediterranean diet is a dietary pattern that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil.
• The diet has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
• The study’s findings suggest that the Mediterranean diet may have a beneficial impact on vascular health by reducing inflammation and improving glucose and lipid metabolism.
• The results highlight the importance of considering the role of adipokines and ceramides in the development of cardiovascular disease.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Tags

• Mediterranean diet
• Vascular health
• Adipokines
• Ceramides
• Cardiovascular disease
• Inflammation
• Glucose metabolism
• Lipid metabolism
• Olive oil
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Healthy fats
• Cardiovascular risk factors
• Heart health
• Stroke prevention
• Cardiovascular disease prevention
• Diet and nutrition
• Lifestyle modifications

Source

• Estruch, R., et al. (2022). Effects of the Mediterranean diet on vascular function and adipokine and ceramide levels in patients with high cardiovascular risk: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 79(11), 1031-1041. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.01.031

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

View info-news.info by Same-Ingenuity3927