Oil and Nuts Better Than Drugs
Written By: Atherosclerosis
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Published - Sep 10, 2011
A Spanish study published in the prestigious medical journal Atherosclerosis proved that consumed olive oil and nuts daily reduced hardening of the arteries better than standard drug therapy. Conclusively the safest and least harmful way to prevent Heart Disease and hardening of the arteries is through the Mediterranean Diet rich in olive oil and nuts as well as fish oil supplements, according to the article.
The study involved 7500 individuals 55 and older and measured the thickness of the carotid arteries. Researchers note the thicker the carotid (neck arteries) are, the thicker the coronary (heart) arteries are. Thickening of the carotid arteries is associated with increased risk of stroke, dementia and heart attack and heart disease.
The study participants were divided into 3 groups, one receiving olive oil daily, next nuts (a handful of walnuts, hazelnuts or almonds) daily and the third following the heart associations low fat diet and standard drug therapy.
The dietary modifications of adding olive oil and nuts achieved a reduction in hardening of the arteries in just 90 days. Furthermore, the dietary modifications after one year achieved better benefits than traditional drug therapy did after 2 years. Furthermore, laboratory blood work demonstrated an improvement in lipoproteins which reduced the risk of cardiac disease. Olive oil and nuts are rich in the essential omega 3 fats otherwise called fish oils because of their abundant presence in cold water fish including salmon, herring, mackerel and sardines.
The Mediterranean diet has long been touted to be more effective at reducing hardening of the arteries and heart disease than the traditional Heart Association's low fat diet. Cardiologists continue to recommend a low fat diet and toxic drugs with tremendous cost and side effects. Conclusively the safest and least harmful way to prevent Heart Disease and hardening of the arteries is through the Mediterranean Diet rich in olive oil and nuts as well as fish oil supplements.