Mediterranean VS. AHA Low Fat?
A recent study shows heart patients benefit equally from following either the Mediterranean or the American Heart Association (AHA) low fat diet.
Dr Katherine E Tuttle, the lead author of a dietary study involving high-risk patients who have survived a first MI says the study provides more dietary options for patients. Basically, patients who like fish, olive oil and ingredients in the Mediterranean diet can chose that option; patients who prefer the low fat AHA diet can pick that.
Patients on either of these two diets did better than those given “usual care” dietary advise. Evidently patients on both the Mediterranean or AHA diets not only followed these diets, but met periodically with dieticians who helped them understand and stick to the diets. According to Heartwire, the doctors involved with the study emphasize that it was not only the diets but intensive dietary support to help patients stick to the diet that helps.
I’m not sure what this tells us dieters. I’d guess two things: 1) There are a range of heart healthy diets. If you prefer a Mediterranean diet, it seems good. If you prefer a low fat diet, that seems good. 2) Consulting a dietician can help you figure out how to figure out how to design your meals to actually match a diet plan.
I don’t know about you, but I know I often find knowing what to eat isn’t all that difficult. But figuring out how to create meals I like, in proper proportions, with the newer heart healthy ingredients can be the tough part.