Mediterranean diet rich in walnut and extra virgin olive oil improves maternal and fetal outcomes
A new study has found that women who followed a Mediterranean-style diet during pregnancy, including a daily portion of tree nuts (half being walnuts) and extra virgin olive oil, had a 35 percent lower risk of gestational diabetes. They, on an average, gained 2.75 pounds less, compared to women who received standard prenatal care.
Previous studies have shown that mediterranean-style diet rich in good, unsaturated fats, found in foods like walnuts and extra virgin olive oil reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in adults. Walnuts, in particular, are a traditional food in the Mediterranean diet because of their omega-3 ALA content (2.5g/oz – the only nut significantly high in this essential fatty acid) and bioactive compounds.
This new study included 1,252 multi-ethnic inner-city pregnant women with metabolic risk factors, including obesity and chronic hypertension. In addition to receiving folic acid and vitamin D supplementation, the women were randomly assigned to either a Mediterranean-style diet or a control group that received dietary advice per UK national recommendations for prenatal care and weight management during pregnancy.
Researchers also assessed the effect of a Mediterranean diet on other pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, stillbirth, small for gestational age fetus, or admission to a neonatal care unit, but did not find any significant associations
Those who followed the Mediterranean diet consumed a daily portion of nuts (30g/day; 15g walnuts, 7.5g almonds, 7.5g hazelnuts) and used extra virgin olive oil (0.5L/week) as their main source of cooking fat. In addition, the diet emphasized fruit, vegetables, non-refined grains and legumes; moderate to high consumption of fish; small to moderate intake of poultry and dairy products; low intake of red meat and processed meat; and avoidance of sugary drinks, fast food, and food rich in animal-based fat.
Participants received dietary advice at 18, 20, and 28 weeks’ gestation to help improve compliance and make sure the diet was made culturally sensitive. Investigators measured dietary compliance using self-reported feedback from the participants.
Researchers also assessed the effect of a Mediterranean diet on other pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, stillbirth, small for gestational age fetus, or admission to a neonatal care unit, but did not find any significant associations.
These findings provide additional support for following a Mediterranean-style diet which has been linked to additional health benefits such as improved cognitive function.
