Mediterranean diet 'prevents metabolic syndrome'

A Mediterranean diet could help to prevent metabolic syndrome, research has indicated, meaning those who enjoy one could be in less need of home care.

Research published in the Journal of The American College of Cardiology analysed the results of 50 studies and found that eating plenty of healthy-heart fats, colourful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and moderate amounts of alcohol reduces the likelihood of metabolic syndrome.

Marc Gillinov of the Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute in Ohio told WebMd that the Mediterranean diet prevents heart disease and helps people to live longer.

"If someone has some abdominal obesity, a little high blood pressure, and is developing diabetes and asks 'what diet should I choose?' based on this study, I can say the Mediterranean diet," he added.

This comes after a study published in the journal Panminerva Medica found that drug Pycnogenol, derived from pine bark, is able to control and reduce blood pressure in those with metabolic syndrome.

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