Diets are one of those few decisions that confuse people the most. If you ask us, it’s only natural! When food represents the essence of health, it would be a tad confusing to pick what to eat, right? Plus, with so many diet plans available out there – weight loss diet, weight gain diet, vegetarian diet, Keto, and all-meat diet – selecting the right kind of diet is even more confusing!
Now, in the middle of this entire ruckus, there’s a slightly neglected option, which is actually a brilliant solution and has many advantages over other diets. Though it’s also a diet plan, we’re sure you’ve probably never heard about it, and one that truly holds the key to excellent health.
We’re talking about the Mediterranean diet, and in this post, we’re going to tell you all about it. Stay tuned!
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Say hello to the Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is a traditional diet based primarily on seafood, poultry, olive oil, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. The meal plan is followed in most countries of the Mediterranean basin, such as Spain, Italy, and Greece. That’s why it got this name!
According to the National Health Service (NHS), a study conducted in 2013 showed that people who followed this diet as a lifestyle were 30% less likely to have cardiovascular problems and strokes. And there are plenty of reasons for it.
For one, the diet consists primarily of olive oil, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. It also focuses on consuming lean protein, such as chicken and fish, as a healthier alternative to red meat. Since these foods are rich sources of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances, the Mediterranean diet is regarded as immensely beneficial in treating various health issues. Plus, it’s diverse and delicious, so it’s easy to follow in the long run.
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Does maintaining a Mediterranean diet lead to prolonged life?
The answer is yes, and we’re not kidding. A surgeon at Ohio Research Institute has confirmed this diet’s effectiveness for better health in the long run. His findings were based on a study conducted on a larger number of patients.
It’s not a diet; it’s a lifestyle
The Mediterranean diet isn’t a short-cut to good health. It must be accompanied by several habits to obtain the ideal result.
You’ll need to eliminate fried and grilled foods from your meals and instead use healthy substances in cooking. It’s also suggested to use different grains as a substitute for white rice and eat more fish, nuts, legumes, and vegetables.
In addition to these food changes, you should also remain physically active and engage in aerobic exercises several times a week.
Wrapping It Up
In the endless search for the “perfect diet,” the Mediterranean diet appears to be the most recommended one. But, like we always say, before changing your regular eating patterns and habits, consulting your dietician is imperative.