A strict hypocaloric diet effectively reduces the long-term risk of atherosclerosis, according to researchers from the School of Medicine at the University of Washington (St. Louis, Missouri).

According to their findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a strict diet also protects against the development of diabetes. It is known that the hypocaloric diet slows the aging process in animals. To clarify its effect in humans, Dr. Luigi Fontana and his colleagues examined 18 people aged 32-85 years who observed a strict hypocaloric diet for 3-15 years, and 18 people who adhered to a regular diet. In the first group (which included 3 women), the calorie intake was reduced by approximately 10-25% compared to the usual diet, according to the Internet publication for girls and women from 14 to 35 years old Pannochka. Net The levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) in the strict diet group reached the minimum values ??(1 st decile) typical for the population of the corresponding age. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels ranged between the 85th and 90th percentiles for middle-aged men, and triglyceride levels reached the 5th percentile for 20-year-olds, despite the fact that all participants were much older. "In addition to lowering LDL cholesterol, typical for a low fat diet for weight loss, an increase in HDL cholesterol was noted in the hypocaloric diet group," the authors emphasize.. On the contrary, against a background of normal nutrition, the values ??of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides reached the 50th percentile for people of similar age.

In addition, the levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) were significantly lower in the hypocaloric diet group - they were the same as in 10-year-old children. Mean BP values ??reached 100/60 mm Hg. Art.. , Compared with 130/80 mm Hg. Art.. In the group of usual food. In the first group, the intima-media index of the carotid arteries was 40% less: 0. 5 against 0. 8 mm (p = 0. 0001). None of those who observed a hypocaloric diet, did not reveal carotid atherosclerotic plaques.

The fasting glucose and insulin levels were lower by 65%, indicating a low risk of diabetes. Reducing the concentration of C-reactive protein suggests an anti-inflammatory effect of the diet, and low plasma concentrations of plasma insulin and platelet-derived growth factor - on the weakening of stimuli to cell proliferation that contributes to the progression of atherosclerosis.

"Consequently, a prolonged hypocaloric diet has a powerful anti-atherosclerotic effect," the authors conclude..

Medicus. En.