Mediterranean Diet Low In Omega-6

Published by Lois on December 11th, 2008

The Mediterranean Diet is Low in Omega-6 Fat, Say Lyon Diet Heart Study Scientists

Bottomline:A must-read paper, by the scientists that made “Mediterranean Diet” a household name, because of striking health benefits from their Lyon Diet Heart Study; describes the key components and common mis-characterizations of the Mediterranean diet paradigm. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2008 Dec;10(6):518-22.

Summary: The Mediterranean diet paradigm is more than using olive oil. In contradiction with many experts, the Mediterranean diet traditionally consists of:

Dairy products, usually in the form of fermented products.

Low in omega-6 fats

Meats are raised on feeds/grasses containing the plant omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)

Other characteristics include: seasonal fruits and vegetables, various nuts, whole grains, fatty fish and wine drinking during meals.

There is a thought-provoking discussion on the merits of moderate alcohol consumption versus intense cholesterol lowering on mortality. Ultimately, the scientists urge physicians to consider the feeling of â€œjoie de vivre when prescribing lifestyle changes for their patients.

Quote: “…the epidemiologists does not capture one major lipid characteristic of the Mediterranean diet, which is actually low in omega-6 and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-6/omega-3 ratio has been proposed as a major component of a healthy diet.”

Link to Paper:
de Lorgeril M and Salen P.
The mediterranean diet: rationale and evidence for its benefit.Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2008 Dec;10(6):518-22.

Evelyn Tribole MRSD