Researchers at Ben-Gurion University (BGU) in Israel have found that a modified Mediterranean diet that emphasizes polyphenols and reduces red meat can significantly decrease proximal aortic stiffness (PAS)—a distinct marker of vascular aging and cardiovascular risk.
The study was published this month in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
“This is the first time that scientists have presented a powerful, potent effect of diet on age-related proximal aortic stiffness,” a BGU statement reads.
The researchers found that the “green Mediterranean diet” decreased PAS by 15 percent, the standard Mediterranean diet decreased it by 7.3 percent, and the healthy dietary guideline diet decreased it by 4.8 percent….