A new study by Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that women can decrease their risk of hearing loss by eating a healthy diet.
The study is called Adherence to Healthful Dietary Patterns is Associated with Lower Risk of Hearing Loss in Women. It was published in the Journal of Nutrition. The researchers tracked the diets of 81,818 women for 22 years. They found that women who followed specific diets ended up with a lower chance of hearing loss.
The diets to follow to lower risk of hearing loss
Researchers found that women that followed the Alternate Mediterranean diet (AMED) and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet lowered their risk of hearing loss by 30 percent compared to women who did not follow either one of those diets. According to the study, the AMED diet includes foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, fish, grains, extra virgin olive oil and a moderate intake of alcohol. The DASH diet includes fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and low sodium. By eating these foods, more women can decrease their chance of losing their hearing. This is just one of the many benefits of eating healthy. The author of the study, Sharon Curhan, MD, and epidemiologist in the Channing Division of Network Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital explained the benefits of eating well “Interestingly, we observed that those following an overall healthy diet had a lower risk of moderate or worse hearing loss,” Curhan says. “Eating well contributes to overall good health, and it may also be helpful in reducing the risk of hearing loss.” Although women were only studied, it is a step to show the possible relationships between diet and hearing loss.
BONUS: Here is a quick and easy healthy tuna salad receipe full of fresh flavours.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 large tomato
- diced ¼ cup fresh parsley
- chopped ¼ cup fresh mint
- chopped 10 large kalamata olives
- pitted 1 small zucchini
- sliced lengthwise ½ avocado
- diced 1 green onion
- sliced 1 can chunk light tuna in water drained
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- ¼ tsp Himalayan or fine sea salt
- ¾ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions:
- Grill the zucchini slices on both sides. Let it cool and cut into bite size pieces.
- Throw all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir delicately until well combined.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!