A recent study published in the journal Nutrients compares the impact of a low-calorie, high-protein ketogenic diet (KD) with a Mediterranean diet on blood pressure and other cardiovascular measurements in a cohort of overweight/obese individuals.
Identifying the optimal diet for cardiovascular health
In 2022, over 2.5 billion people throughout the world were considered overweight, about one million of whom were obese. Obesity increases the risk of numerous health conditions, including metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular disease (CVD), with these effects mediated by high blood pressure, lipid, and glucose levels.
Weight loss is crucial in obese or overweight individuals to improve metabolic function and reduce blood pressure levels. Weight loss is often achieved by restricting caloric intake under a dietitian's supervision to ensure a balanced supply of essential nutrients.
The Mediterranean diet is widely recommended for overweight and obese individuals seeking to reduce their risk of developing CVD. It is characterized by the infrequent intake of red and processed meat, sodium, and alcohol, as well as increased consumption of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish, and unsaturated fatty acids.
