Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet

Running head: RESEARCH APPRAISAL REPORT 1
Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet Supplemented with
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or Nuts
Student’s Name
Institution’s Affiliations
Date

RESEARCH APPRAISAL REPORT 2
Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet Supplemented with
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or Nuts
Introduction
Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading diseases causing death globally. The
prevalence of cardiovascular diseases varies depending on the regions and lifestyle and
lifestyle of people (Babio et al, 2014). The cases of cardiovascular diseases reported in
Mediterranean regions is low as compared to other countries in Northern Europe. This is
because the populations in the Mediterranean region consume diets like vegetables, cereals,
nuts, fish, olive oil, a small amount of dairy product and red meat, and considerate amount of
red wine. These diets have a lot of beneficial effects against, therefore, reducing the risks of
getting the cardiovascular disease to food consumption. The cardiovascular diseases related
to nutrition include glycemia, high blood pressure and accumulation of lipids in the body
(Bibbins-Domingo et al, 2010).
Research Rationale
The main purpose of this study was to sensitize people on the appropriate lifestyle that
improves their health status. The cohort of observation will help in the identification of
healthy food and avoiding those that lead to accumulation of cholesterol in the body because
this substance led to cardiac diseases (Chiva-Blanch, Badimon & Estruch, 2014). The
substances included in the Mediterranean supplemented diet include extra-virgin olive oil and
nuts. The survey was conducted for the purpose of determining the efficacy of low fat-diet in
the as the primary intervention for preventing cardiovascular diseases in Mediterranean
region.
Design of the Study

RESEARCH APPRAISAL REPORT 3
The study design was organized in three different models, that is, multicentre design,
parallel group design, and randomized trial. The complete reviews were then assessed to
determine the effects of nutrition on the Mediterranean population (Estruch et al, 2018). The
analysed data were then compared with a standard or control diet provided by public health
departments. The supplements of oils and nuts were provided to the sample population.. The
diet supplements were donated by three organization. Hojiblanca and Patrimonio Comunal
Olivarer were the groups who donated the extra-virgin olive oil, walnuts were donated by
Walnut Commission of California while hezelnuts were provided by Morella Nuts from
Spain. The control diet involved those recommended for adults and especially the elderly.
The people selected in the activity were provided with 1 liter olive oil on a weekly
basis. The olive oil were donated per each household, to be taken in the amount of 4
tablespoons. The 4 tablespoons were recommended to be taken by each person daily. The
participants apportioned to a Mediterranean food enriched with nuts were given 30 g of nuts
per person. The mixed nuts was made up of 50% walnuts, 25% almonds, and 25% hazelnuts.
Those people selected as control group were provided appreciated with non-foodstuff gifts.
The patients were asked to feel a questionnaire to ensure adherence to the procedures of the
study. A follow up was done after every three months for three years to determine and record
the results of the provided diets on the people. There was variability in the results obtained
after the three years.
The method selected in the study involved the use of relevant research articles and
peer-reviewed journals to collect data for analysis in the research. A systemic literature
review was also utilized in the study to improve the relevancy of research data and analytical
outcomes. Appropriate articles for review were obtained from famous websites like PubMed
and NCBI. People were also interviewed to provide their views regarding the type of diet
they consume (Martinez-Gonzalez & Martin-Calvo, 2016). The sample population involved