Mediterranean Diet Protects Against Peripheral Arterial Disease, Study Finds

Following a Mediterranean diet is good for the legs. According to a latest study, a diet high in fruits and vegetables along with olive oil cuts the risk of Peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D).

PAD occurs when arteries get clogged with plaque, which is made of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances in the blood. The condition usually affects the arteries in the legs, but can also affect other arteries in the body.

Previous research has associated Mediterranean diet with low risk of heart attack, stroke and even diabetes.

The present study was conducted by researchers at University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain, and colleagues. Their research was based on a randomized control trial on 7,477 older Spaniards.

Participants were randomly assigned three different diets; a Mediterranean diet with extra-virgin olive oil; a Mediterranean diet plus nuts; or counselling on following a low-fat diet, according to a news release.  

The study ran from October 2003 to December 2010. At the beginning of the study, none of the participants had PAD or any heart disease, but had diabetes type-2 and at least three risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Researchers found that people following both types of Mediterranean diets had lower chances of developing PAD than the control group.

"To our knowledge, this is the first randomized primary prevention trial to suggest an association between a dietary intervention and [reduction in] PAD. These results are consistent with previous observational studies and relevant from a public health perspective," the authors wrote in the study/

The study is published in the JAMA.                                           

Recently, U.S. News reported that Mediterranean diet claimed No. 3 spot for Best Diets Overall. Major drawbacks of the diet are that it is moderately expensive and requires time to prepare.

Dr. Salas-Salvado, one of the study authors, reported receiving grants from the International Nut Council.