A recent research article, published on February 7 in JAMA Network Open, suggests that adopting the Atlantic diet for half a year can significantly lower the risk of developing metabolic syndrome compared to sticking with a regular diet. Metabolic syndrome, a term for a collection of health concerns including large waist circumference, high levels of triglyceride, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

According to Katherine Patton, a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic's Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, the impact of the Atlantic diet on metabolic syndrome is not surprising as it shares similarities with the Mediterranean diet which is known to protect against cardiovascular disease. However, the Atlantic diet, named after the traditional dietary pattern in northwestern Spain and Portugal, differs by offering a higher proportion of fish, milk, potatoes, fruits, and vegetables.

The research conducted in the rural town of A Estrada in northwestern Spain involved 574 adults from 250 families who were assigned either the Atlantic diet or their usual diet. It was observed that the group following the Atlantic diet had significant reductions in waist circumference and LDL cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol, while there were no significant changes in blood pressure, triglycerides, and fasting blood sugar levels.

Commenting on the results, principal investigator, Mar Calvo-Malvar, PhD, said these findings provide substantial proof of the potential of traditional diets in improving critical risk factors for heart disease and other chronical conditions.