Metabolic syndrome is a combination of medical disorders that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Previous studies suggest that a Mediterranean diet rich in healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables may reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. According to a study published in a recent issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, a traditional Mediterranean diet enriched with nuts could be a useful tool in the management of metabolic syndrome .

Researchers from Spain studied 1224 older participants at high risk for cardiovascular disease from a clinical trial called PREDIMED. Over 60 percent of these participants met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. All participants were provided with education about the Mediterranean diet and either olive oil or mixed nuts or simple advice on a low-fat diet. After one year, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was reduced by 13.7% among those participants on the Mediterranean diet plus nuts. In some cases, participants previously diagnosed with metabolic syndrome no longer met criteria after one year.

Studies estimate that up to 25% of the U.S. population is affected by metabolic syndrome and the prevalence increases with age. The results of this study suggest that a relatively simple intervention of education and diet could help in the prevention and management of metabolic syndrome.

Source

Arch Intern Med. 2008;168(22):2449-2458.