A cereal and vegetable-based diet reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome, a group of researchers announced Tuesday.

According to a study of 9,850 adults between 2001 and 2005 by Prof. Kim Ji-hye of Daegu University and Prof. Cho In-ho of Ewha Womans University, Koreans generally have four diet patterns: rice with kimchi; meat and alcohol; coffee and sugar; and cereal, vegetables and fish.

The team found that people following the fourth diet pattern had 20 percent less risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The intake of trans fats or saturated fat was low while essential fatty acids, dietary fiber and antioxidants were abundant, the team said.

On the other hand, those who enjoyed meat and alcohol had a high risk for hyperlipidemia and hypertension.

“It shows that the conventional Korean diet composed of a variety of food and nutrients could have a positive effect in preventing chronic diseases. We will still need sophisticated cohort study to verify the direct relationship,” Kim said.

The finding will be published in the August edition of the Journal of American Dietetic Association.

(baejisook@heraldcorp.com)