Why the Mediterranean diet is good for you

The Mediterranean Diet has been widely recommended by nutritionists and medical professionals for many years thanks to all the health benefits that the diet provides. It is also a widely preferred diet for people of all ages due to the delicious and inexpensive options it offers. However, for older participants, the Mediterranean Diet has many advantages, such as lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

How has it been studied?

In 1980, a professor named Ancel Keys investigated heart-related deaths in many different countries. Keys found that cardiovascular-related deaths were much higher in Greece, Italy and Japan, while they were much higher in the United States and Finland. He then researched the Mediterranean lifestyle and diet in hopes of better understanding why people in this area lived longer and healthier lives. It was concluded that diet played an important role.

What includes?

Rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, and peas, the Mediterranean Diet incorporates many highly-favoured foods, including chicken and fish. Red meat is usually eliminated from the Mediterranean Diet as are saturated fats. Good fats from olive oil and nuts are recommended. Red wine is also allowed on occasion, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Lifestyle is also part of this diet, and exercise, activity, and not smoking are recommended. Staying away from sweets is also an important part of this lifestyle change, as refined sugars are thought to increase inflammation in the body. This diet incorporates grazing healthy foods throughout the day. The ones that provide nutritional benefits while being healthy for you.

Dimensions

In addition to eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, grains, and lean proteins, the Mediterranean Diet recommends portion control. Instead of eating three very large meals each day, it is suggested that you eat smaller meals throughout the day. Each meal should incorporate the details of the diet, but the portions should be small. Basically enough to satisfy hunger, but without overwhelming the body. Overeating not only leads to obesity, but also the heart has to work harder to digest a large meal. This is especially true if the food is high in saturated fat and hard-to-digest ingredients, such as red meat.

For many people, living in Western society can be stressful and unhealthy. With heart disease being the leading cause of death in the United States, and problems like dementia and Alzheimer’s so prevalent, more and more seniors, caregivers, and medical professionals are recommending a healthy diet to help combat the problems. Sleep apnea, obesity, high blood pressure, and cancer are also common concerns, but can often be prevented by following a diet like the Mediterranean Diet.