The Mediterranean diet was awarded first place as the best diet by US News and World Report in 2019. The diet followed in the Mediterranean region (France, Italy, Spain, and Greece) offers various health benefits such as reducing the risk of cancer, protecting the heart, and regulating weight. It is also said to keep people active and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and type 2 diabetes.
No wonder more people are turning to the Mediterranean diet to tackle their health problems.
That said, it does make us wonder how this is possible. What sets the Mediterranean diet apart from the rest? What makes it so healthy despite the inclusion of foods that are considered not-so-healthy in other diets? Let’s try to get the answers to these questions.
The Mediterranean diet is not based on calories. It is more of a way of life or an eating pattern. Living close to the Mediterranean Sea certainly helps, but you can follow this diet irrespective of your geographical location.
The diet basically consists of eating fresh and wholesome food. Fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits, legumes, nuts, seafood, olive oil, and dairy products are an inherent part of the Mediterranean diet. Oh, yes, how can we not mention red wine?
But… we can hear what you’re thinking. The concept of the Mediterranean diet relies on enjoying the meal, moderating the intake, and being active throughout the day. No matter how much you like red wine, you don’t down multiple glasses of it every day. The Mediterranean folk have a glass of wine with food, and they have their meals with family members, which many of them claim is the secret for their good health.
People who follow the Mediterranean diet avoid processed foods with unhealthy fats, high sugars, and refined carbohydrates. It’s not like they don’t eat cakes and cookies at all. They do.
Remember that the Mediterranean diet is not the same throughout the region. Each country has its own diet, which is further tweaked as we go to the various states, cities, and villages.
The New England Journal of Medicine brought out the findings of a random clinical trial in 2013. The trial was conducted for five years with 7000 men and women in Spain. The chosen people were either at high risk for type 2 diabetes or heart-related diseases.
It was found that those who were on the Mediterranean diet with nuts and olive oil had a 30% lower risk of heart attacks. They lived on a low-fat diet that included fresh seafood and fresh vegetables.
Another study in 2018 by Stroke journal found that the results of the Mediterranean diet were more prominent in women than men. Though the research couldn’t explain why this was the case, the researchers involved say that it could be due to the different heart strokes that affect men and women.
A diet that’s good for the heart can also be good for the brain. The 2016 review in Frontiers of Nutrition concluded that the Mediterranean diet works well to reduce cognitive diseases and keep the brain healthy. This leads to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases in older people.
The Mediterranean diet is loaded with antioxidants and contains anti-inflammatory properties. It also has more fiber and nutrients. This helps in regulating weight, especially in women. Women who follow this diet were said to have smaller waists and thighs. The fiber controls blood sugar and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, which again helps maintain a healthy weight.
There’s a misconception that the Mediterranean diet is expensive and includes exotic foods. However, that’s not true. You can create healthy meals within your budget by relying on legumes, beans, lentils, etc., for protein. Plants and whole grains are good sources of protein.
Olive oil plays a major role and is used extensively. So, you need to be quite vigilant when you replicate the same quantities of olive oil in your diet. Unless you cut down your intake of other calorie-based foods like sweets, sugar, and desserts, you cannot increase your consumption of olive oil.
Seafood is compulsory and needs to be eaten at least twice a week. Fish like tuna, salmon, sardines, herring, and black cod are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Increase your intake of fresh and seasonal vegetables. Salads and soups are one way to consume vegetables. Replacing meat with vegetables and mushrooms on pizza is another.
Restrict pasta to a small serving and add more salads to the dinner plate. Eat healthily, be active, and stay energetic all day.
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View Comments
didn’t know about Mediterranean diet before.Sounds interesting.Thanks for sharing with us
I definitely love mediterranean food. I myself love Greek Salad the most. Great post.
I love everything about this diet, except for the seafood. I am not a fan of seafood
I've heard a lot about the Mediterranean diet before but haven't tried it. I'm allergic to both seafood and dairy so not a lot I can eat. But my husband loves Mediterranean food, so we do make it occasionally and I find ways to make substitutes for the things I can't have.
And it is such a yummy way to eat. I just wish seafood wasnt so expensive here.
Wow, I never knew that Mediterranean food is so healthy. Thanks for sharing. I learned a lot.
I love Mediterranean food and almost eat it exclusively, so good and fresh...
The Mediterranean diet is one of the best diets out there. I try to live by it as best I can and since it's similar to how I grew up it's a way of life I'm accustomed to. Great break down on it for those interested in learning more.
I love Mediterranean food! It's so good and fresh. I don't do diets but I love Mediterranean food.
I have heard that they cook a lot with Olive Oil which is good for you also I love their varies and simply way of cooking
I haven't had much Mediterranean food, but I do enjoy it. It would be good to incorporate more of it into my diet.
Huh that's interesting, I may have to try more Mediterranean food!
That looks like a great healthy diet. I need to try that diet soon!
We have been trying to incorporate new foods into our diet, and will have to take time to explore Mediterranean! Thank you for this inspo. :)
Mediterranean food is my FAVORITE! SO fresh!
What I like about the Mediterranean food is a wide variety of flavors. Enjoying food is important to me.
I have not tried Mediterranean food before but it looks so healthy and tasty. I would surely include veggies in my food more.
This article is amazing! I am a big fan of Mediterranean food. I eat it every week! Thank you for sharing with us.
We have a love for the Mediterranean diet and it's great that the meals are built around plant-based foods.
I didn't knew that Mediterranean food can be so good for health. I would like to try it since I like seafood.