The Atlantic Diet: A Promising Alternative to the Mediterranean Diet for Health and Weight Loss, Study Finds
Move over, Mediterranean diet! There’s a new player in town when it comes to healthy eating and weight loss. The Atlantic diet, a traditional eating plan in northwestern Spain and northern Portugal, is making waves for its potential to ease belly fat and improve HDL “good” cholesterol levels. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open followed over 200 families from the rural Spanish community of A Estrada to investigate the effects of the Atlantic diet on various health markers.
What does the Atlantic diet consist of? It’s all about fresh and nutrient-dense foods. Fish and seafood take center stage, accompanied by an abundance of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, olive oil, dried fruits (especially chestnuts), milk, cheese, and moderate amounts of meat and wine. The diet strikes a balance between indulgence and nourishment, making it an appealing option for those looking to improve their health and shed some pounds.
During the study, 121 families were directed to follow the Atlantic diet, while 110 families continued with their typical diet. The researchers found that the Atlantic diet had no significant effect on high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, or high fasting serum glucose levels. However, it did lead to improvements in waist circumference and HDL cholesterol levels. These changes are crucial for reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that increase the likelihood of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and stroke.
To ensure that participants fully embraced the Atlantic diet, they received comprehensive support throughout the study. This included three education sessions to learn about the eating plan, a cooking class to develop culinary skills, written materials for reference, and baskets of food to encourage adherence. By providing these resources, the researchers aimed to create an environment conducive to adopting and maintaining the Atlantic diet.
The results of the study were met with enthusiasm by experts in the field. Michelle Routhenstein, a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in heart disease, praised the Atlantic diet for its emphasis on nutrient-dense foods and family-oriented eating habits. She highlighted the importance of wholesome ingredients and traditional cooking methods, such as stewing, which enhance the bioavailability of nutrients and improve their absorption and utilization by the body.
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, an interventional cardiologist based in California, noted that the results of the study were not surprising. He explained that the Atlantic diet shares many similarities with the well-studied and beneficial Mediterranean diet. Both diets prioritize vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and olive oil while limiting red meat, sweets, sugary drinks, and butter. The inclusion of fish as a key component in both diets further underscores their health benefits.
Tracy Crane, an associate professor at the University of Miami, emphasized the potential of both the Atlantic and Mediterranean diets to reduce the risk of various diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, and cognitive decline. These dietary patterns have also been shown to improve gastrointestinal function and promote a healthy gut microbiome.
While the study provides valuable insights into the benefits of the Atlantic diet, it does have some limitations. The researchers acknowledged that a 6-month timeframe may not have been sufficient to fully assess metabolic changes. They suggested that longer follow-up periods spanning several years would strengthen their results and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the diet’s effects.
In conclusion, the Atlantic diet is emerging as a promising alternative to the Mediterranean diet for those seeking improved health and weight loss. With its focus on fresh and nutrient-dense foods, this traditional eating plan offers a wide range of benefits, including reduced waist circumference and improved HDL cholesterol levels. While further research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects, the Atlantic diet presents a compelling option for individuals looking to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
