Development of the Mediterranean Soup for Enteral Nutrition and for Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases

Background: The Paleolithic diet with fruits, vegetables, roots, leaves, seeds, honey, meat, fish and eggs provided low w-6/w-3 ratio of fatty acids, high monounsaturated fatty acids, fiber, phytochemical antioxidants and proteins. Recent studies indicate that diets similar to Paleolithic diet have anti-inflammatory potential, whereas Western diet, with refined carbohydrates, high w-6/w-3 ratio of fatty acids, lower protein, high in saturated trans and w-6 fat, has proinflammatory effects. Foods that comply with the Paleolithic diet promote a balanced ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids (w6:w3-PUFAs = 1:1) in serum total lipids and, in turn, a 25% proportion of w-6 in blood total highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs). Further evidence suggest that walnuts and almonds can decrease heart disease risk due to their hypolipidemic and antiinflammatory effects. Such diet can also enhance immunity and adaptation due to decrease in inflammation. A metaanalysis of prospective cohort studies demonstrated that an increased consumption of fruit and vegetables from less than 3 to more than 5 servings / day is related to a 17% reduction in CAD risk, whereas an increased intake from 3 to 5 servings/day is associated with a smaller and borderline significant reduction. These results provide evidence supporting that 5 or more servings per day of fruit and vegetables, are needed to protect from noncommunicable diseases in general, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in particular. There is evidence that a Mediterranean diet (fruits, vegetables, nuts, olive oil, whole grains) and Indo-Mediterranean diets (whole grains and mustard oil, vegetable, fruits and nuts) may be protective in patients with high risk of CVD. In some of these studies, soup rich in nuts, raisins, vegetables, tomato, carrot and mustard oil+olive oil as well as yogurt containing nuts and raisins have been used in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome, resulting into significant reduction in cardiac events and mortality.