The role of Mediterranean type of diet on the development of cancer and cardiovascular disease, in the elderly: A systematic review
Received 19 May 2009; received in revised form 6 July 2009; accepted 7 July 2009. published online 30 July 2009.
Abstract
Background
The proportion of elderly worlwide is increasing. This increase in life expectancy, is staggering posing tremendous challenges in disease burden, especially, in chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Limited studies investigate the effect of Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular risk and cancer in older populations. In this review, findings from observational studies are summarized to evaluate the effect of Mediterranean diet on cancer and cardiovascular disease risk in elderly people.
Methods
Published results from observational studies that assessed food habits on cancer and cardiovascular disease risk in elderly were retreived and summarized.
Results
In all studies diet had an effect on cardiovascular disease risk. The Mediterranean diet, a high-qulaity diet and increased fruit and vegetable consumption were all found to be cardioprotective.
Conclusion
The systematically reviewed studies reveal that a high adherence to a Mediterranean type of diet or “prudent diet” is associated with reduced risk of CVD and some types of cancer, even in the elderly. Also dietary intervention strategies can prevent morbidity, premature mortality and improve quality of life in older persons worldwide.
ABSTRACT