Experts examine Mediterranean diets health effects for older adultsAccording to a study published in the Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences a baseline adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MeDiet) is associated with a lower risk of hyperuricemia defined as a serum uric acid (SUA) concentration higher than 7mg/dl in men and higher than 6mg/dl in women.Hyperuricemia has been associated with metabolic syndrome hypertension type 2 diabetes mellitus chronic kidney disease gout and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The MeDiet is characterized by a high consumption of fruits vegetables legumes olive oil nuts and whole grain; a moderate consumption of wine dairy products and poultry and a low consumption of red meat sweet beverages creams and pastries. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties the MeDiet might play a role in decreasing SUA concentrations.Conducted by Marta Guasch-Ferr  and 11 others this study is the first to analyze the relationship between adherence to a MeDiet in older adults and the risk of hyperuricemia. The five-year study looks at 7447 participants assigned to one of three intervention diets (two MeDiets enriched with extra virgin olive oil or mixed nuts or a control low-fat diet). Participants were men aged 55 to 80 years and women aged 60 to 80 years who were free of cardiovascular disease but who had either type 2 diabetes mellitus or were at risk of coronary heart disease.The findings below demonstrate the positive health effects of a MeDiet in older adults:Story Source:The above story is based on materials provided by The Gerontological Society of America. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.Journal Reference: