A Mediterranean diet is plant-based in nature, rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, olive oil and the occasional red wine. Adding these foods into your diet is a lifestyle choice and eating this way may increase your longevity, give you a healthier heart, help in weight lose and mental fatigue.
Studies have shown foods that are low in fat may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and a USA study back in 2007 found that men and women who ate a Mediterranean diet lowered their risk of death from cancer and heart disease. Studies have also found that the Mediterranean diet lowers your level of LDL cholesterol better known as the bad cholesterol. Recently, researchers found a link between a Mediterranean diet and lowering diabetes risk and blood pressure.
Meat is used sparingly in the Mediterranean diet and is usually added to flavor pasta sauces. Also missing are high quantities of refined sugar, white flour, butter and fats. Fats are found mostly in olive oil and nuts.
The Mediterranean diet is not one to be afraid of. The typical American diet may not include some of these wonder-foods, but can be easily adapted.
