Mediterranean Diet Believed to Drastically Reduce Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer

It’s been known for some time now that the Mediterranean diet offers a whole host of health benefits. The food mostly consists of whole-grain bread, vegetables, fruits, beans, and nuts with fish as the primary source of protein. The diet strays away from red meats and processed foods, and several studies in the past decade have produced results suggesting lowered levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL), decreased risk of metabolic syndrome and unhealthy weight gain.¹

It is important to note that some of these studies focused on the firefighter population specifically, and this is due to the reported high prevalence of cardiovascular disease with that profession. In October 2016, in collaboration with Tufts University, the National Institute of Public Safety Health, and the US Department of Homeland Security, the Harvard School of Public Health is conducting a study with the purpose of “[lowering] firefighters’ risks for [cardiovascular disease] and cancer by successfully getting more firefighters and their families to adopt and incorporate the healthy eating principles behind the Mediterranean diet.” The estimated completion date is set for October of 2018, and the study is still open to volunteers who wish to participate. You can view the full eligibility requirements and further details on the study itself here. It is interesting to note that the Harvard Public School of Health conducted a similar study with firefighters back in 2014. The results were generally positive and suggest adherence to the diet may be in our firefighters’ best interests.