A Diet Higher in Fruits, Vegetables, and Whole Grains Can Help Prevent Symptoms of the Metabolic Syndrome

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Beneficial effects of a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension eating plan on features of the metabolic syndrome, by L. Azadbakht and colleagues. Diabetes Care 28:2823–2831, 2005.

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

The metabolic syndrome (a cluster of symptoms that include high blood pressure, large waist size, high levels of fats in the blood, and the body's inability to handle glucose) increases a person's chances of getting cardiovascular disease (disease of the heart and blood vessels).

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

The researchers wanted to see if following a specific eating plan, called a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, could help lower the risk of getting the metabolic syndrome.

Who was studied?

A total of 116 patients (34 men and 82 women) from Tehran, Iran, who were overweight or obese and had the metabolic syndrome.

How was the study done?

The patients went on one of three diets for six months: a control diet, a weight-reducing diet that emphasizes healthy food choices, and the DASH diet. The DASH diet emphasizes reduced calories and more servings of fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and whole grains. Compared to the other diets, the DASH eating plan is lower in saturated fat, total fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

What did the researchers find?

The DASH diet resulted in higher HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol) and lower triglycerides (fats in the blood), blood pressure, weight, and blood glucose levels, as compared to the other two diets, in both men and women.

The weight-reducing diet also resulted in benefits, but the benefits were greater among those who were on the DASH eating plan.

What were the limitations of the study?

In this study, it was not possible to determine if one part of the DASH eating plan was the cause of the beneficial effects, or if the combined parts of the eating plan were responsible for the benefits.

It was not possible to report the soluble and insoluble fiber intakes, or the trans fatty acid intakes, separately in the three different groups.

The patients in each group were responsible for providing their own food.

What are the implications of the study?

Following the DASH eating plan (or one that is lower in fat, cholesterol, and sodium and contains more servings of whole grains, vegetables, and fruit) can help lower the risk for the metabolic syndrome in both men and women.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Is the Metabolic Syndrome Really a Syndrome?

101 Nutrition Tips for People With Diabetes

Evidence-Based Nutrition Principles and Recommendations for the Treatment and Prevention of Diabetes and Related Complications, by the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care 25:202–212, 2002.