Discover the AIIMS-Designed Mediterranean Diet Tailored for India: A Breakthrough in Heart Disease Prevention

AIIMS Delhi has partnered with The George Institute for Global Health and the University of South Carolina to create an Indian-Adapted Mediterranean Diet (IAMD). This meal plan, designed for heart health, combines the Mediterranean diet’s benefits with local Indian flavors and ingredients.

The focus of the IAMD is on plant-based dishes, healthy fats, and familiar spices. Instead of using olive oil and salmon, this diet incorporates mustard oil, millets, nuts, turmeric, and local fish. This way, it keeps the anti-inflammatory perks of the Mediterranean diet while celebrating Indian culinary traditions.

Dr. Ambuj Roy, a cardiology expert at AIIMS and the project’s lead researcher, emphasizes its significance. He says, “This isn’t just another fad. We’re showing that Indian food can be heart-smart too.” Research indicates that the diet boasts the lowest recorded Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), meaning it has strong potential to reduce inflammation—a key factor in heart disease.

Here are some important elements of a heart-healthy Indian plate:

1. 4–6 servings of seasonal fruits and vegetables each day
2. Healthy oils like mustard, peanut, and rice bran
3. Nuts and local fish for Omega-3 fatty acids
4. Whole grains, pulses, and millets for fiber
5. Spices such as turmeric, ginger, and garlic for their anti-inflammatory effects
6. Avoid ultra-processed foods and refined sugars

A clinical trial is currently assessing the IAMD’s effectiveness for heart disease patients. The researchers have plans to adapt this diet for South Indian, East Indian, and coastal cuisines, reflecting India’s diverse food landscape. An accessible website will be launched soon, featuring the diet plan and recipes for everyone to try.

This new approach to nutrition could be transformative in tackling cardiovascular disease, which affects millions in India. The IAMD shows that we can prioritize heart health without sacrificing our beloved flavors and traditions.

For more insights, you can check recent statistics revealed in the [Global Burden of Disease Study](https://www.healthdata.org/gbd) which highlights the growing challenges of heart disease in India amidst changing diets.

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