The Mediterranean diet helps control weight gain and gestational diabetes in pregnancy

We know that healthy eating is essential during pregnancy, to protect the mother and the baby.

The virtues of the Mediterranean diet are also demonstrated, the best option to succeed whenever we seek to eat well. In fact, this diet was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010.

Now a large study published in the journal 'PLOS Medicine' has given us two more reasons to follow it during pregnancy: For the first time it has been shown that pregnant women at high risk of complications can benefit from a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy to reduce weight gain and the risk of gestational diabetes.

35% less risk of having gestational diabetes

It is true that a Mediterranean-style diet in pregnancy does not by itself reduce the overall risk of maternal complications and adverse offspring, but it can reduce weight gain in pregnancy and the risk of gestational diabetes.

This is ensured by a clinical trial in the United Kingdom, led by Queen Mary University of London and the University of Warwick.

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The results have concluded that pregnant women who ingested 30 grams of mixed nuts per day and extra virgin olive oil reduced the risk of developing diabetes in pregnancy by 35 percent and gained 1.25 kilos less weight than women who They did not follow the Mediterranean diet.

A Mediterranean diet could be effective for women who enter a pregnancy with previous obesity, chronic hypertension or elevated lipid levels.

"The implementation of this diet seems to be effective and acceptable to women. Women who are at risk of gestational diabetes should be encouraged to take action from the beginning of pregnancy by consuming more nuts, olive oil, fruits and whole grains, while reducing the intake of animal fats and sugar. "

These are the words of Professor Shakila Thangaratinam of Queen Mary University in London when referring to the "First study showing that pregnant women at high risk of complications can benefit from a Mediterranean-style diet" to reduce weight gain and the risk of gestational diabetes.

Dr. Bassel Wattar, from the University of Warwick and Queen Mary University in London, also refers to the novelty of his study:

"Although it has been shown that a Mediterranean-style diet reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular complications in the general population, until now we did not know the effect of such a diet in high-risk pregnant women, and if it could be culturally adapted for a ethnically diverse population. "

An aid to avoid risks in pregnancy

As the study authors explain, one in four women have previous obesity, chronic hypertension or elevated lipid levels when becoming pregnant.

This may involve complications during pregnancy. Among them, gestational diabetes or what is the same, a high level of blood sugar. Also preeclampsia or hypertension.

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And different studies have already shown that these risk factors could lead to both mother and baby later develop diabetes and cardiovascular problems.

It was also known that a Mediterranean diet, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, reduces the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, but it had not been studied so far how effective it was to reduce complications during pregnancy.

It is the first time that its great incidence has been demonstrated and in a large group of pregnant women: 1,252 women in five maternity units in the United Kingdom.

Mediterranean diet in pregnancy

Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, it reduces the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and problems derived from the high consumption of refined sugars, such as diabetes.

The principles of the consumption of this diet are well known: olive oil along with the consumption of blue fish, rich in omega 3, high intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts, as well as bread and other whole grains.

Other foods in the Mediterranean diet are dairy products, eggs and poultry meat and, to a much lesser extent, meat and animal fats.

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Participants in the 'Mediterranean diet' study (with metabolic risk factors, including obesity and chronic hypertension), consumed nuts, hazelnuts and almonds and extra virgin olive oil for cooking.

Their diet also included fruits, vegetables, unrefined grains and legumes, a moderate to high consumption of fish, a small to moderate intake of poultry and dairy products, and low intake of red and processed meats.

They should also avoid sugary drinks, fast foods and foods high in animal fat.

Women who followed the Mediterranean diet claimed to feel better than those who continued to eat at their choice and showed less swelling in their limbs, although other discomforts typical of pregnancy such as nausea, vomiting or digestive problems were not reduced.

The pregnant women followed a recipe book as they incorporated elements of the Mediterranean diet into local cuisine.

The luck we have in Spain is that we already know this diata well, we know how to cook with the foods that make it up and we always have them available. We just have to remember it and forget about fast and precooked food.

And more now in summer, when you want more salads from the garden, seasonal fruit, gazpacho ... And besides enjoying, we will take care of our health and that of our baby.

Photos | iStock

Video: New study shows that Mediterranean diet can help pregnant women (March 2024).