What is Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean Diet is a relatively recent dietary concept that gets its inspiration from the traditional food and drinks consumed in the countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea. This includes countries such as Greece, Spain, Italy, and Turkey. Mediterranean diet focuses on good and healthy eating, by emphasizing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, plus the use of healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, avocado, and fatty fish like salmon. This was the way so-called ‘Mediterranean people’ ate for centuries, and it has now been scientifically proven to provide a wealth of health benefits, making it one of the most popular diets of the 21st century.

Benefits of Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean Diet is known for its amazing health benefits, as it can lower cholesterol, improve heart health, and lead to a longer, healthier life. It is also beneficial for people with diabetes, as it helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and can assist in weight loss. Additionally, the Mediterranean Diet can reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, such as certain types of cancers and can help to protect against dementia and Alzheimer’s. This is partially because it emphasises on the consumption of vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats, known to be protective against these conditions.

Medical Recommendations

The Mediterranean Diet has been endorsed by the medical community, as studies have proven that it can improve overall general health. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have both recommended the Mediterranean Diet as the best dietary method for promoting and maintaining good health. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you follow the dietary recommendations properly to get the full health benefits. The best way to do this is to replace simple carbohydrates such as white bread and pasta with complex carbohydrates like whole-grain bread, brown rice and quinoa, to reduce the consumption of processed foods, and to eat more fruits, vegetables and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts. By doing so, you will be sure to reap the amazing health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet.