Indo-Mediterranean diet bests DASH diet for lowering BP, CVD and all cause mortality

This study published in the Nutrients Journal highlights the role of nutritious diet (DASH, Indo-Western and Japanese) against Western-type that can lead to increased levels of oxidative stress and inflammation, which contributes to hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.

The study by Ram Singh and team notes that the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet can be effective in preventing hypertension, but there may also be benefits to other diets such as those of the Indo-Mediterranean and Japanese cultures. 

The findings of this study were:

The DASH diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, has been found to be effective in reducing blood pressure in several randomized controlled trials. The DASH diet also has been found to improve other cardiovascular risk factors such as cholesterol levels, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation.

Indo-Mediterranean diets, which are characterized by high intake of pulses, porridge, spices, millets, fruits, vegetables, and low in meat, saturated fat and processed food, have also shown promising results in reducing blood pressure and improving other cardiovascular risk factors. Some studies have found that the inclusion of berries, guava, pumpkin seeds, carrots, soya beans, and spices, may also have blood pressure-lowering effects.

Japanese diet, which is rich in fish, vegetables, and soy products have been found to have a lower rate of hypertension and CVD compare to Western diet. This may be due to their consumption of fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids, fish peptides, and taurine, which have been found to have blood pressure-lowering effects.

Overall, the results suggest that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, low in saturated and trans fat, and moderate in sodium can be effective in preventing hypertension and improving other cardiovascular risk factors.

Larger studies and controlled trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness of these diets in preventing hypertension and the potential role of specific nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, fish peptide, taurine, vitamin D, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, flavonoids, nitrate and l-arginine.

Source:

Singh, R. B., Nabavizadeh, F., Fedacko, J., Pella, D., Vanova, N., Jakabcin, P., Fatima, G., Horuichi, R., Takahashi, T., Mojto, V., Juneja, L., Watanabe, S., & Jakabcinova, A. (2022). Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension via Indo-Mediterranean Foods, May Be Superior to DASH Diet Intervention. In Nutrients (Vol. 15, Issue 1, p. 46). MDPI AG. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15010046