The Mediterranean Diet is less a restrictive diet than a lifestyle that encourages us to eat certain health-promoting foods. A Mediterranean diet is not about strict prohibitions and iron calorie deficits, but about enjoyment, balance and joy in eating. No wonder the Mediterranean diet is so popular with nutritionists and people who want to eat healthier.
Studies have repeatedly been able to confirm connections between the health and longevity of the inhabitants of the Mediterranean regions and their diets. People who like daily groceries
- colorful fruits and vegetables
- bright fish
- nuts and legumes
- oats and whole grains
- olive oil
eat, are healthier on average and live comparatively longer . Eggs, poultry, milk, cheese and even red wine, consumed in moderation, are also part of the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet allows you a variety of healthy and tasty foods, filling meals and knows no strict prohibitions. Of course, you should also reduce your consumption of trans fats, sausages, red meat, sugar or highly processed foods with the Mediterranean diet, but as long as you eat mostly fruit, vegetables, fish and legumes, the occasional salami won’t do too much harm .
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1. Weight Loss Using the Mediterranean Diet
Those who follow a Mediterranean diet gain less weight on average over the year. So if you suffer from seasonal weight fluctuations, you would probably do well to follow a Mediterranean diet to keep unwanted pounds off. But the diet is not only recommended for weight maintenance. A study showed that the diet is much better suited to reducing weight in a targeted manner than, for example, “low-fat” diets. The reason: A high proportion of saturated fatty acids and fiber keep the blood sugar level at the right level. Food cravings then occur less often.
2. Mediterranean diet for a healthy heart
The classic Mediterranean foods such as olives, olive oil, white fish and legumes are excellent for heart health and support the normal functioning of your heart. A cohort study was able to show that the risk of a heart attack, a stroke or other cardiovascular diseases was significantly lower in subjects who followed a Mediterranean diet. About 33,000 women took part in the study over a period of ten years.
3. Longer life expectancy thanks to Mediterranean foods
A Mediterranean diet provides you with omega 3, fiber, vitamins and minerals. The health-promoting properties of such a balanced diet are well documented. A healthy heart, an active and varied intestinal flora and a strong immune system are the result of a Mediterranean diet. In reality, for many Mediterranean residents and those following a Mediterranean diet, this translates into longer life expectancies.
4. Risk of diabetes decreases with age
Unfortunately, type 2 diabetes has long since become a widespread disease. In the chronic metabolic disease, the blood sugar level is permanently elevated. Type 2 diabetes is associated with obesity and an unhealthy diet. Anyone who counteracts this with a balanced and health-promoting diet in early adulthood can prevent the development of diabetes in adulthood. The Mediterranean diet is made for these purposes: few additional sugars, lots of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals characterize the balanced diet. This minimizes the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
