Diet for prediabetes and high cholesterol
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Diet for Prediabetes and High Cholesterol: Evidence-Based Recommendations
Mediterranean Diet for Prediabetes and Cardiovascular Health
The Mediterranean diet has been extensively studied for its benefits in managing prediabetes and improving cardiovascular health. This diet emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, while limiting red meat and processed foods. Research indicates that the Mediterranean diet significantly improves glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with prediabetes . Meta-analyses have shown that adherence to this diet can lead to better body weight management, lower total cholesterol, and higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels . Additionally, the Mediterranean diet has been associated with a reduced risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes .
Ketogenic Diet vs. Mediterranean Diet
A study comparing a well-formulated ketogenic diet (WFKD) with a Mediterranean-plus diet (Med-Plus) found that both diets improved HbA1c levels in individuals with prediabetes, but the ketogenic diet led to a greater reduction in triglycerides . However, the ketogenic diet also resulted in higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and lower nutrient intake due to the exclusion of legumes, fruits, and whole grains, making it less sustainable in the long term . Therefore, while the ketogenic diet may offer short-term benefits, the Mediterranean diet may be more sustainable and balanced for long-term health.
Low Advanced Glycation End Product (dAGE) Diet
A diet low in advanced glycation end products (dAGEs), which are compounds formed during the cooking and processing of foods, has been shown to improve lipid profiles and reduce inflammation in prediabetic individuals . A 24-week study demonstrated that a low-dAGE diet significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels compared to a standard diet . This suggests that reducing dAGEs in the diet can be beneficial for managing both prediabetes and high cholesterol.
CHAGURO Diet: Pumpkin and Tuna-Based Powder
The CHAGURO diet, which includes a combination of Siamese pumpkin and tuna-based powder, has been studied for its effects on lipid profiles in prediabetic individuals with dyslipidemia. Results indicated significant improvements in the cholesterol/HDL ratio, particularly with a lower dose of CHAGURO . This functional food alternative may help improve lipid profiles in prediabetic individuals.
Brown Rice vs. White Rice
Substituting white rice with brown rice, which has a lower glycemic index, has been shown to reduce body weight and increase HDL cholesterol levels in individuals with prediabetes . However, brown rice did not significantly affect glycemic control markers such as HbA1c and fasting blood glucose levels . Despite this, brown rice can be a healthier alternative to white rice due to its beneficial effects on weight and HDL cholesterol.
Almond-Enriched Diet
Incorporating almonds into the diet has been found to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce LDL cholesterol levels in adults with prediabetes . A 16-week study showed that an almond-enriched diet led to greater reductions in insulin levels and LDL cholesterol compared to a nut-free diet . This suggests that almonds can be a valuable addition to the diet for managing prediabetes and high cholesterol.
High-Egg Diet
Contrary to some guidelines that recommend limiting egg consumption, studies have shown that a high-egg diet does not adversely affect lipid profiles in individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes 79. A high-egg diet, when combined with increased intake of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, did not lead to significant changes in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, or triglycerides 79. This indicates that eggs can be safely included in the diet of individuals with prediabetes, provided they are part of a balanced diet.
Low-Carb vs. Low-Fat Diets
Both low-carb and low-fat diets have been shown to improve lipid profiles in individuals with prediabetes. A study found that both dietary strategies led to improvements in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, with the low-carb diet also significantly increasing HDL cholesterol levels . This suggests that either dietary approach can be effective, but a low-carb diet may offer additional benefits for HDL cholesterol.
Conclusion
For individuals with prediabetes and high cholesterol, a Mediterranean diet appears to be the most balanced and sustainable option, offering significant benefits for glycemic control and cardiovascular health. Incorporating low-dAGE foods, brown rice, almonds, and possibly eggs can further enhance these benefits. While ketogenic and low-carb diets may offer short-term improvements, their long-term sustainability and nutrient balance should be carefully considered.
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