Another Reason to Like the Mediterranean Diet

America was first introduced to the Mediterranean diet in the nineteen fifties, but like many diets, its popularity yoyoed over the years. It's centered around vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and other seeds, as well as fish and extra virgin olive oil. Red meat and poultry along with dairy and eggs are sparingly used. I wish I had stuck with this diet because a recent study confirms the diet lowers heart disease and cancer risk.

What's new is the study suggests our gut microbiome is altered through the diet. That's the collection of bacteria, fungi and viruses in our intestinal tract which influence our health such as brain function, vitamin production, and immune system function. As this microbiome changes over time, it can impact our chances for disease.

The study looked at the gut microbiome of more than six hundred people in five countries ages sixty-five to seventy-nine. About half ate a Mediterranean diet while the others did not change their diets. After a year, scientists found those on the Mediterranean diet maintained better diversity in their microbiome, which usually decreases with age. They also had less inflammation and more bacteria associated with enhanced memory and brain health. People even walked faster and had better hand strength. The results didn't vary in people between countries regardless of their age or weight.

As we better understand the role of microbiome in health, the ability to influence our gut through our food is becoming clearer.