Mediterranean-style diet benefits young workers: study

Boston – Eating a Mediterranean-style diet may help improve the heart health of young workers, according to a new study from Harvard University and Cambridge Health Alliance.

In a study of 780 young Midwestern firefighters, those who most closely followed the Mediterranean-style diet – which emphasizes fish, nuts, vegetables and fruits – had a 35 percent lower risk for metabolic syndrome than those with other eating habits. Additionally, firefighters who adhered to the diet were less likely to gain weight, and they had higher HDL (“good”) and lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels.

Conversely, the obese firefighters in the study were found to consume more fast food and sugary beverages.

The study was published online Feb. 4 in the journal PLOS ONE.