Another day, another piece of research reveling at the wonders of the Mediterranean diet. But this time it's not tackling obesity or preventing dementia. The diet could, in fact, prolong your life.
A new study, published in the British Medical Journal, monitored the health of 4,676 middle-aged nurses over more than a decade, analysing the impact of the diet on a component of DNA called telomeres.
Researchers in the US found that those who adhered to the diet, which is based on oily fish, poultry, fresh fruit and vegetables, showed fewer signs of ageing in their cells.
Telomeres are stretches of DNA which protect genetic codes, and have been compared to the plastic tips of shoelaces as they keep chromosones from scrambling. They often shorten as a person grows older.
The Harvard-based researchers concluded there was a link between the Mediterranean diet and longer telomeres, which they suggest can be affected by a person's lifestyle.
The report said: "In summary, greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was significantly associated with longer leukocyte telomere length, a marker of biological ageing.
"The results further support the benefits of adherence to the Mediterranean diet for promoting health and longevity."
Mediterranean Diet Foods
Foods Of The Mediterranean (01 of08)
Open Image Modal (credit:Alamy)
Tomato(02 of08)
Open Image ModalTomatoes provide an excellent amount of vitamin C and beta-carotene; a very good amount of the mineral manganese; and a good amount of vitamin E. They're also a rich source of antioxidants. (credit:Alamy)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil(03 of08)
Open Image ModalExtra virgin olive oil is packed full of polyphenols, which have been shown to function both as antioxidants and also as anti-inflammatory nutrients in the body. (credit:Alamy)
Peppers(04 of08)
Open Image ModalAll peppers are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, but red peppers are simply bursting with them. Antioxidant vitamins A and C help to prevent cell damage, cancer, and diseases related to aging, and they support immune function. They also reduce inflammation like that found in arthritis and asthma. Vitamin K promotes proper blood clotting, strengthens bones, and helps protect cells from oxidative damage. (credit:Alamy)
Feta Cheese(05 of08)
Open Image ModalFeta cheese is much lower in fat than ordinary cheeses and contain more protein, but less salt. Adding protein rich feta to salads and wraps will boost your protein intake while adding a rich, tangy flavor without adding many calories. (credit:Alamy)
Olives(06 of08)
Open Image ModalOlives are technically classified as fruits of the Olea europea tree, but many commonly think about olives not as fruit but as a zesty vegetable that can be added are harvested in September but available year round to make a zesty addition to salads, meat and poultry dishes and, of course, pizza. (credit:Alamy)
Couscous(07 of08)
Open Image ModalCouscous is a grain food that is comparable to pasta or rice. It is made of semolina wheat that is moistened and then formed into tiny grain shapes. Couscous contains twice the content of niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and folic acid compared to pasta. It also contains more thiamine and pantothenic acid. (credit:Alamy)
Pulses(08 of08)
Open Image ModalPulses are low fat, high fibre, no cholesterol, low glycemic index, high protein, high nutrient foods. They are excellent foods for people managing their diabetes, heart disease or coeliac disease. Pulses are also good for people who want to eat healthy food to help reduce their risk of heart disease or diabetes. Additionally, pulses can help people concerned with weight control. (credit:Alamy)
Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said the results added weight to the view that the diet could help prevent age-related illnesses such as cardiovascular disease.
He said: "Longer telomeres may partially explain the link between diet and risk of cardiovascular disease.
"These results reinforce our advice that eating a balanced and healthy diet can reduce your risk of developing heart disease."