A Mediterranean diet can improve the health of children and adolescents.
The Mediterranean diet is associated with many health and survival benefits for adults. According to the pathologist, Professor of the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at the Treatment Clinic of the EKPA Medical Faculty (Alexandra Hospital) Theodora Psaltopoulou and Biologus Panagiota Zacharakis, now a new study published in the prestigious international journal JAMA Network is the first to show that it may also be beneficial for children’s health.
This review and meta-analysis of 9 randomized clinical trials involving 577 participants aged 3 to 18 years (mean age 11 years) showed that following a Mediterranean diet for at least eight weeks reduced systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL caused. It increases (bad) cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol.
Research shows that adopting healthy eating habits early in life can help prevent cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which often have their roots in childhood. The findings are not surprising given the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for cardiometabolic health in adults, but they further emphasize the importance of consuming unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats and fish for all stages of life.
What foods does the Mediterranean diet include?
The Mediterranean diet is an example of a diet that includes plant-based foods and a focus on healthy fats, such as olive oil, which is a monounsaturated fat. Fruits, vegetables, beans, seeds, nuts, whole grains, lean meats and fish all contribute to the diet plan. It is important to increase the right foods in children’s diets and reduce highly processed foods that contain added sugar and sodium (salt).
We know that calories from highly processed foods can make up 70% of a teenager’s typical intake. Any changes that can reduce the intake of chips, cookies and soft drinks (fast food and convenience foods in general) and increase the intake of fruits and vegetables are of great benefit in the medium to long term.
It is important to respect the child’s preferences and to include cultural traditions in any guidance about food choices. For those who want to switch to the Mediterranean diet, it is also very important to follow the age-appropriate diet and exercise recommended by the child’s pediatrician.
Getting together as a family also plays an important role in the Mediterranean diet. Parents are also encouraged to model using this dietary pattern, offering structured meals and planned light meals, and maintaining regular (daily) physical activity.
Despite international variations, the Mediterranean diet has consistently improved blood pressure levels and lipid profiles, which may reduce the risk of cardiometabolic problems such as heart attack, stroke, and diabetes later in life.
Benefits in the long run too
The researchers were surprised to find no evidence of a positive effect on glucose and insulin levels. The effects of the Mediterranean diet on these health factors may be less pronounced or may take longer to have an effect. The study looked at the outcomes of children who adopted the meal plan for eight to 40 weeks.
One of the most important steps parents can take to help improve children’s nutrition is to maintain regular family meals and try to cook at home as often as possible. The more children are exposed to fruits, vegetables, and fish, the more likely they are to try them, like them, and introduce them to everyday family food.