Mediterranean Diet Reduces PAD Risk
Scientifically documented health benefits of a Mediterranean-style diet continue grow. Unlike diets designed or promoted for rapid weight loose, eating a Mediterranean-style diet is proven to lower the risk of hearth attack and stroke. A Mediterranean-style diet is classified as a diet incorporating olive oil (or other monounsaturated fats), fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts (excluding peanuts), limiting or eliminating red meat and processed meats, and a moderate amount of cheese and wine.
A Mediterranean diet doesn’t include double and triple cheese or stuffed cheese pizzas, foods high is saturated fats and ultra-processed foods.
A randomized trial published in the January 29, 2014 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association, found a Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD occurs when plaque build up in the artery walls of arms and legs, especially the legs. Clogged arteries increase your risk of ulcers and gangrene.
So how does a Mediterranean diet reduce the risk of PAD? The same as it reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Mediterranean diets include high-quality foods and not fast foods and process foods. Foods are high in nutrients and antioxidants and low in refined sugar, highly processed foods, saturated fat and trans fat which are known to damage the bodies arteries.
PAD can be a series disease requiring multiple surgeries to install stents, use of blood thinners to prevent clotting, and possible loss of the affected limb(s).
Symptoms of PAD include leg pain or cramping and leg fatigue when walking or climbing stairs. The symptoms go away when the activity stops.
Reported in the April 2014 edition of the Harvard Health Letter