Comparing Keto to Mediterranean: Two Diet Strategies Potential for Reducing Blood Pressure Levels
Managing high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can be achieved through numerous lifestyle changes. One approach that's gaining popularity is following a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean or the ketogenic (keto) diets.
A recent study adds to the growing evidence that both these diets can help lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health in individuals who are obese or overweight.The findings of the study were published in the journal Nutrients.
Weight Loss and Blood Pressure Improvement for Both Diet Groups
The study recruited 26 adults with obesity or overweight, high blood pressure, and low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk scores. Half of the participants followed the Mediterranean diet, while the other half followed the keto diet for a period of three months.
By the end of the study, researchers found that participants in both groups experienced a decrease in blood pressure and weight loss. Scientists also observed an increase in the participants' fat-free mass and a decrease in their body fat, blood lipid levels, and insulin concentrations.
Differences between the Diets: Nocturnal Dipping
One area where researchers reported a difference between the two diets was in "nocturnal dipping." Nocturnal dipping refers to the natural decrease in blood pressure when we sleep, and it's a measure of healthy blood pressure regulation. Abnormal nocturnal dipping patterns have been linked to increased risk of heart disease.
Participants following the keto diet had a higher level of nocturnal dipping than those in the Mediterranean group.
Flexibility in Dietary Approaches
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a board-certified interventional cardiologist, noted that while the Mediterranean and keto diets have some differences in food restrictions, the study suggests that there may be various dietary techniques that can achieve the same beneficial outcome, depending on individuals' food preferences.
Long-term Outcomes and Future Research
While the Mediterranean and keto diets offer promising short-term benefits for blood pressure and weight loss, more research is needed to determine their long-term impact on clinical outcomes. Larger controlled studies with a more diverse population will be essential to confirm the findings and evaluate their effectiveness for a broader range of individuals.
By emphasizing the reduction of carbohydrates and sugars in their diets, both the keto and Mediterranean diets can help combat obesity and shift the body towards burning fat. However, future research should aim to refine the dietary techniques that produce the best results in terms of blood pressure management and overall cardiovascular health.
While choosing the best diet to lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health can be challenging, meeting with a registered dietitian nutritionist can be crucial in finding the most appropriate dietary pattern for an individual's unique needs, health condition, preferences, goals, genetics, and lifestyle.
- The study results, published in Nutrients, show that both Mediterranean and ketogenic diets can help lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health in individuals with obesity or overweight.
- After following their assigned diets for three months, participants in both groups experienced a decrease in blood pressure and weight loss.
- Scientists also observed an increase in the participants' fat-free mass and a decrease in their body fat, blood lipid levels, and insulin concentrations.
- A notable difference between the two diets was identified in "nocturnal dipping," with keto dieters exhibiting higher levels compared to the Mediterranean group.
- Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a board-certified interventional cardiologist, has suggested that variety in dietary techniques can lead to beneficial outcomes based on individuals' food preferences.
- Long-term outcomes of the Mediterranean and keto diets require further research to determine their effects on clinical outcomes and their effectiveness for a broader range of individuals.
- By reducing carbohydrate and sugar intake, both the keto and Mediterranean diets can help combat obesity and facilitate fat burning for better weight management.
- Consultations with registered dietitian nutritionists can be essential in finding the most suitable dietary pattern to meet an individual's unique needs, health condition, preferences, goals, genetics, and lifestyle.
