The Mediterranean diet significantly reduces levels of inflammation and chronic diseases

A new study published in the Journal of Periodontology shows that following a Mediterranean diet not only helps protect oral health, but also contributes to reducing the risk of inflammation - a factor linked to a series of chronic diseases and dementia.

The Mediterranean diet significantly reduces inflammation levels. (Source: Healing Works Foundation)

International scientists conducted dental examinations, blood tests and dietary analyses of 200 participants in the UK.

They found that people who adhered less to the Mediterranean diet and consumed more red meat tended to have more severe gum inflammation, along with higher levels of inflammatory markers in their blood such as interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein.

Professor Luigi Nibali of King's College London (UK) said, "High levels of inflammatory markers mean a stronger inflammatory response, leading to severe gum disease and affecting the whole body."

Dr. Andrew Freeman - Director of Cardiovascular Prevention and Care at National Jewish Health (Denver, USA), said: "We have long known that gum health is closely linked to cardiovascular disease.

Chronic inflammation not only damages blood vessels, leading to kidney failure, lung, liver and brain damage, but is also the cause of vascular dementia - the second most common form of cognitive impairment after Alzheimer's.

Prolonged inflammation can cause the immune system to lose control, attacking the heart and other organs, and promote insulin resistance and cell dysfunction – pathways that lead to type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease.

“It's clear that when you eat a very plant-based diet, like the Mediterranean diet, inflammation levels go down dramatically,” Freeman emphasizes.

Numerous studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet helps reduce the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, dementia, depression and breast cancer. It is also linked to strong bones and a healthy heart.

The Mediterranean diet is characterized by its main foods being fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, beans, seeds, and a few nuts. Healthy fats prioritize extra virgin olive oil, and almost no butter or animal fat is used.

Red meat is limited, mainly for flavor, while omega-3 rich fish is encouraged. Eggs, dairy, and poultry are eaten in much smaller amounts than in the Western diet. Sugar and refined foods are only eaten on special occasions.

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