AIIMS Blends Indian Foods With Mediterranean Diet; Patients Record Lower BMI, HbA1c And Heart Risk

In an effort to tackle the rising prevalence of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, even among young people, doctors from the Cardiology Department at AIIMS have developed the Indian Adapted Mediterranean Diet (IAMD), combining India’s traditional cuisine with the anti-inflammatory principles of the Mediterranean diet.

The diet, comprising 74 specially designed menus, was tested over three months on 57 patients with coronary artery disease. The results, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, showed significant health benefits.

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Patients following the diet experienced reduced inflammation, lower cholesterol, decreased HbA1c levels, and a drop in Body Mass Index (BMI) from 25.3 to 24.7 kg/sq. m. The hormone ghrelin, linked to hunger, was also reduced, while intake of essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins C, D, E, folate, and other micronutrients increased.

Dr KK Talwar, Chairman of the PSRI Heart Institute, emphasised the importance of early awareness, healthy eating habits, and stress management in families, schools, and workplaces to prevent heart disease. Dr Aditya Kumar Singh, Associate Director and Minimally Invasive Heart Surgeon at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, added that improving dietary habits and daily routines could significantly lower the risk of heart disease.

The IAMD focuses on balancing carbohydrates and increasing the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods. Traditional Indian staples were combined with Mediterranean-style ingredients rich in antioxidants. Recommended foods include:

Green leafy vegetables: spinach, fenugreek, mustard greens, bathua

Vegetables and legumes: beans, mixed vegetables, lentils

Protein sources: paneer, eggs, fish, chicken

Other beneficial items: buckwheat pudding, garlic, onion, carrot, beetroot, coriander, mint, seasonal fruits, apple and beetroot raita

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Patients were advised to pair fish or chicken with spinach and fenugreek, and the diet covers a full daily menu including morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, and dinner. The complete menu is available on the web portal (http://iamdiet.in).

The study concluded that most patients found the diet easy to follow at home, making it a practical and effective strategy to prevent and manage heart disease while promoting overall health.