Abstract:
The present paper reviews the main aspects of the health properties of Mediterranean food pattern and its components with particular regard to rheumatoid arthritis. The Mediterranean diet is based on a pattern of eating closely tied to the Mediterranean region and is characterized by an abundance of foods from plant sources, limited meat consumption, moderate amounts of fish, moderate consumption of wine and extravirgin olive oil as the main source of fat. The Mediterranean food pattern has shown a number of beneficial and healthy effects not only in preventing cardiovascular diseases and cancer, but also diabetes, metabolic syndrome, visceral obesity and arthritis. Most of these effects are related to the consumption of extravirgin olive oil which, with its high content of MUFA and non-fat microcomponents such as phenolic compounds, squalene and oleocanthal, has demonstrated important antiinflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo. Biologic response modifiers, such as TNF-alfa blockers, have set new therapeutic standards for the treatment of RA. On the other hand diet may represent a valuable support to the pharmacological treatment in rheumatoid arthritis.Whole grains. Whole grain foods like bread, pasta, potatoes, polenta, rice, and couscous are a key part of the Mediterranean diet, according to Stutman. In their natural state, grains are full of cancer and heart disease-fighting fiber, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. But stripping the grain's outer layers to make white flour and white rice eliminates these benefits, reducing the healthy whole grain to little more than empty calories. Whole grains provide energy and calories with little fat, and because they're slow to digest (thanks to their high-fiber content), they help you feel fuller longer.
One study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,found that men who increased their intake of whole grains experienced less middle-aged weight gain than other men. And in a 14-year study of over 34,000 people, Canadian researchers found that those who reported eating the most brown rice, dark breads, popcorn, whole grain cereal, and other whole grains (about three servings per day) were 23% less likely to develop gum disease than those who ate less than one daily serving. Filling up on whole grains helps your body metabolize glucose more efficiently, which lowers inflammation, says Anwar T. Merchant, DM, MPH, assistant professor of clinical epidemiology and biostatistics at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, a researcher on the study.
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-mediterranean-diet