What Are The Benefits Of A Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean diet is a dietary pattern that originates from countries that border the Mediterranean sea. It is known for its longevity and its association with better health outcomes. Continue reading to learn more about what the diet involves and its benefits!

What Is The Mediterranean Diet?

The mediterranean diet is a diet that is based on traditional foods of countries bordering the mediterranean sea, such as France, Spain, Greece and Italy. The diet is rich in healthy plant foods, low in animal products and meat, and includes seafood at least twice a week.

The Mediterranean diet focuses on whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, herbs, spices, fish, seafood and olive oil. It also incorporates moderate amounts of poultry, eggs, cheese, yogurt and red wine. The diet limits food such as red meats, added sugars, processed meats, highly processed foods, beers and liquors, but includes red wine in small servings. Another feature of a mediterranean diet that is thought to be beneficial for health is that it emphasises on sharing meals with other people rather than eating alone.

What Are The Benefits Of A Mediterranean Diet?

The mediterranean diet is one of the most evidence based diets to prevent cardiovascular diseases and other chronic diseases, and people who adhere to mediterranean diets tend to live longer and healthier lives than those who follow a standard western diet. The diet is also associated with a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes, and may help with balancing blood sugar levels. Studies also show that a mediterranean diet is beneficial for cognitive function, and can help improve memory! Individuals who adhere to a Mediterranean diet have lower markers of inflammation compared to those who do not follow or adhere to a mediterranean diet, and the diet can also be beneficial for weight loss, as it has been found as effective as low fat or low carbohydrate diets for weight loss.

The Bottom Line

The mediterranean diet originates from countries that border to the mediterranean sea, and focuses heavily on whole plant foods, healthy fats and lean proteins, and excludes heavily processed and high sugar foods. The diet is nutrient dense and balanced, and is associated with better health outcomes such as improved heart and cognitive function! 

Do you follow a Mediterranean diet? Let us know in the comments below!