Osteoporosis is a common bone disease in seniors, especially senior women, and it increases the risk of fractures that can lead to health complications. Although there are some treatments to aid in the slowing of disease progression, finding a natural method such as a diet to stick to is far more effective.
The study looked at 1,000 seniors for a year where one group adopted a Mediterranean-like diet, and the other group did not.
The Mediterranean-like diet did not have an impact on those participants with normal bone density, but in those with low bone density, it did manage to help slow down bone loss.
Study author Susan J. Fairweather-Tait commented on the findings explaining, “So, the fact [that] we were able to see a marked difference between the groups even in just this one area is significant.”
The diet that the participants adhered to consisted of a high amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and fish; small amounts of meat and dairy produce; and a moderate amount of alcohol.
This particular study only looked at participants for a year. Future studies need to be longer. In the meantime, the researchers suggest that there is no harm in following a Mediterranean-like diet. As mentioned, it’s already been shown to improve heart and brain health.