Year after year, one diet is unanimously declared the best by nutritionists, doctors, dietitians, fitness trainers and foodies alike, not only for shedding those extra pounds and attaining a slim physique, but also to enrich total healthcare. Any guesses? Bang on, you are right, it is indeed the Mediterranean Diet. This lifestyle practice of consuming healthy foods and planning balanced meals originated in certain European countries which have coastlines bordering the Mediterranean Sea, namely Greece, Italy and Spain, in the 1960s, thereby being named after the region. According to research studies by numerous scientific experts, the Mediterranean diet, besides averting obesity, significantly lowers the risk of acquiring chronic ailments such as diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular disease as well.
Also Read: Mediterranean Diet: Know Why This Is Not Just Another Food Fad To Follow In 2020
While most typical diets around the world include vegetables, fruits, legumes as part of staple meals, the Mediterranean diet distinguishes itself by being chiefly plant-based. The meals in this nourishing food plan incorporate a plethora of traditional natural bounty that grow widely and thrive in the Mediterranean region. These encompass vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, seeds, nuts and healthy fats such as olive oil, all of which are jam-packed with vital nutrients of proteins, fibers, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants. Moreover, compared to regular meals that are high on processed meat, the Med diet food guide recommends consuming seafood, eggs, poultry on a weekly schedule, while cutting back on red meat.
Of course, in India, the quintessential vegetables like potato, cauliflower, bitter gourd, spinach and okra/ladies finger are a basic requisite of the daily diet. Agreed, these nutrient-dense plants bolster wellbeing, however, integrating some exotic veggies sourced from the Mediterranean diet, like broccoli, zucchini, turnip, artichoke, kale, provides novel flavours and an extra dose of good health.
Health Benefits Of Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean Diet, renowned for its holistic approach, offers a plethora of health benefits. Abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and heart-healthy olive oil, it promotes cardiovascular wellness, reducing the risk of heart disease. Rich in antioxidants, this diet supports brain health, enhancing cognitive function and lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Its anti-inflammatory properties contribute to overall well-being, while the emphasis on nutrient-dense foods aids in weight management, promotes digestive functions and improves diabetes control. Linked to a lower risk of certain cancers, the Mediterranean Diet is not just a culinary delight but a holistic lifestyle choice associated with increased longevity and improved quality of life.
Scroll through this infographic, to discover the astounding wellness incentives of these healthful vegetables from the Mediterranean diet.
References:
- Mediterranean diet and health status: Active ingredients and pharmacological mechanisms - By Lukas Schwingshackl,corresponding author 1 Jakub Morze, 2 and Georg Hoffmann 3
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7056467/
- The Mediterranean Diet: From an Environment-Driven Food Culture to an Emerging Medical Prescription - By Cristina-Mihaela Lăcătușu,1,2,* Elena-Daniela Grigorescu,1,* Mariana Floria,2,3 Alina Onofriescu,1,2 and Bogdan-Mircea Mihai1,2
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6466433/
