Living in Italy, I was introduced to the Mediterranean diet. This is a style of eating originally adopted from Spain, Greece, and Southern Italy. It is a diet that is almost primarily plant-based. It mostly incorporates protein, olive oil, vegetables, and fruit.
Should You Start a Mediterranean Diet?
In 2009, research was conducted on the effect of Mediterranean diets in women who were at risk of stroke and coronary heart disease. Results showed that women who maintained a Mediterranean diet were at a lower risk of incident stroke and coronary heart disease.
The Mediterranean diet is often called the heart-healthy diet and is strongly advised for patients with diabetes, stroke, or heart problems. It is also suitable for individuals who generally want to eat healthily or maintain a healthy diet.
Health Benefits of Mediterranean Diets include:
Colorful Plant-Based Meals
The Mediterranean diet is almost primarily plant-based. There are so many varieties and options to choose from as the diet consists of foods generally derived from the soil such as whole grains, fruits, legumes, vegetables, and nuts.
The diet also incorporates healthy fat such as olive oil. With its limitless options, almost every meal is full of flavor and color, as herbs and spices are incorporated into each dish.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Eating a standard American-diet generally increases the risk of inflammation but substituting your regular diet to a Mediterranean one has been proven to help curb such reactions in individuals. Doctors advise patients to incorporate this diet into their everyday eating habits because it helps to reduce the need for multiple medications.
Weight Loss
A common reason why you should switch to a Mediterranean diet is that it helps with weight loss. Since it cuts out unhealthy fat, regular intake of beef and fish, and is primarily plant-based, individuals can lose weight quickly while maintaining good eating habits.
You don’t have to sacrifice your sweet tooth or love for flavorful meals either, as the Mediterranean diet is often full of tasty dishes and delicious aromas.
Diabetes, Heart Conditions, and Health Issues
As mentioned, this diet helps with not only heart conditions and inflammation, but it’s also good for clients with diabetes. It is said to lower the risk of type two diabetes by a large percentage, as the meals automatically regulate sugar levels.
The diet also helps to reduce the risk of certain cancers and also helps your vision to improve. This is because the dishes are full of vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids.
In totality, following a Mediterranean diet will probably be one of the best decisions you ever make in your life. Make changing your diet fun—Plan a trip to Italy to become acquainted with this style of eating!
About: Rory Brown is a food critic and blogger specializing in healthy diet and lifestyle choices. Beginning in Charleston, SC, he has attracted a large following by offering nuanced takes on fine cuisine with a focus on health. Mr. Brown splits his time between Charleston, Kauai, Sydney, and Lake Como, keeping his finger firmly on the culinary pulse across the globe.
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