Research aims to explore the benefits of a Mediterranean diet tailored for Asian women
A new study is set to investigate how the Mediterranean diet, widely acknowledged for its health benefits, can be adapted to promote healthier eating habits among Asian women, particularly those in Singapore. The study will focus on 300 women of reproductive age, aiming to identify which aspects of the diet offer the most advantages for their health.
Tailoring the Mediterranean Diet for Asian Populations
The Mediterranean diet is known for emphasizing whole grains over refined carbohydrates, fish over red meat, and plant-based proteins such as legumes, as well as healthy fats like walnuts and almonds. It has been shown to effectively prevent cardiovascular diseases and reduce risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
However, research has also shown that certain components of the Mediterranean diet, particularly fish, may expose individuals to harmful chemicals known as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). These pollutants, which can disrupt hormones and include metals, are mainly found in contaminated fish, often due to packaging or microplastics in the ocean. Despite this, the amount of pollutants in Mediterranean diet foods remains considered safe for consumption.
Addressing Regional Health Concerns
Led by the Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health (GloWNUS) at the National University of Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, in collaboration with Université Paris Cité’s Faculty of Health, the study takes into account findings from previous GloWNUS research. One such study, published in Nature Food, identified higher levels of pollutants in pregnant women following a Mediterranean diet, particularly due to the consumption of fish.
However, as Professor Zhang Cuilin, director of GloWNUS, points out, by selecting foods with lower levels of pollutants, the Mediterranean diet can be made even healthier. She noted that the diet’s nutritional benefits could potentially counteract the harmful impact of chemicals.
Genetic and Environmental Factors for Asian Women
The study also builds upon another GloWNUS study published in Diabetes Care, which found that pregnant women consuming a healthy Mediterranean diet with minimal pollutant exposure had the lowest risk of developing gestational diabetes. This research is particularly relevant to Asian populations, as genetic differences between Asian and Caucasian populations can influence susceptibility to conditions like Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The new study aims to explore how lifestyle and environmental factors unique to Asians interact with genetics, providing more precise dietary recommendations for Asian women.
Making Healthier Diets Accessible
Though the study is still in its planning stages, the team is working with local partners to develop a Mediterranean diet-inspired approach that is both acceptable and affordable for Asian women in Singapore. The goal is to create a version of the diet that is tailored to the cultural and dietary preferences of Asian populations, making healthier eating choices more accessible.
Minister of State for Health and Digital Development, Rahayu Mahzam, commended the collaboration between GloWNUS and Université Paris Cité during her address at the Women’s Health Conference 2024, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships to advance women’s health and support culturally tailored interventions.
