10 Benefits Of The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is one of the most studied diets in terms of health benefits. In this article, you will discover ten reasons to follow it.

Adopting the Mediterranean diet is one of the best options for those who want to maintain their ideal weight and be healthy. What are the main benefits of the Mediterranean diet? We invite you to discover how useful this diet is for the health of the body.

Mediterranean diet

This diet is not just a series of nutritional recommendations; it is more than that. In fact, it is associated with a balanced lifestyle and is an authentic cultural heritage of the peoples of the Mediterranean region. In fact, on 16 November 2010, the Mediterranean diet was declared an intangible cultural heritage in a joint effort by Spain, Greece, Italy and Morocco.

What foods can be eaten in the Mediterranean diet?

If you adopt the Mediterranean diet, you can eat all kinds of foods as long as you respect the famous food pyramid, which lays the foundations for foods that can be eaten daily, foods that can be eaten weekly and those that should be eaten only occasionally.

Foods that exemplify the benefits of the Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet is one of the most beneficial food plans, as it promotes a healthy and balanced diet.

Foods you should eat daily

Foods you should eat weekly

Over
Lean meat

Foods that you should only eat occasionally

Pastry
biscuit
Candy
Sugar
Juices and sugary drinks

10 benefits of the Mediterranean diet

1. It is scientifically proven to be the healthiest diet

The Mediterranean diet is considered to be one of the most studied diets in terms of health benefits.

The scientific community has been studying this diet for a long time, especially because of its useful therapeutic role against various diseases associated with chronic inflammation, such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, among others.

Woman enjoying the benefits of the Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet has been extensively investigated for its health benefits. It can help prevent and treat various diseases.

2. Increases good cholesterol levels

According to researchers from the Center for Obesity and Nutrition of the Biomedical Research Network (CIBERobn) and the Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), the Mediterranean diet supports the proper functioning of particles that absorb so-called good cholesterol, which prevents clogging of arteries. .

3. Reduces the risk of heart disease

Studies have shown that heart disease occurs less frequently in Mediterranean countries due to the large amount of beneficial nutrients included in traditional recipes.

4. Reduces the risk of breast cancer, heart attack and stroke

A scientific study has shown that the Mediterranean diet reduces circulatory problems by 66%, the number of heart attacks and strokes by 30% and the risk of breast cancer by 68%.

5. Fight severe depression

A team of scientists from Deakin University in Australia conducted a series of tests that showed that the Mediterranean diet fights severe depression.

Adopting the Mediterranean diet can help prevent and treat depression. Healthy foods have a positive effect on the chemical structure of the brain.

6. Increases life expectancy

People who follow the Mediterranean diet tend to live longer, because this diet promotes life expectancy and slows down the aging process through the consumption of foods rich in antioxidants and high quality nutrients.

7. It can help prevent and treat obesity

Olive oil is much healthier than butter and other animal and vegetable fats typical of other diets. Therefore, it is an excellent option for combating or preventing obesity.

8. Helps prevent cognitive decline

Green leafy vegetables prevent cell degradation because they contain a lot of antioxidants. Consumption of one serving of green leaves a day helps to slow down the cognitive decline associated with aging, as suggested by a study published in the journal Neurology.

9. Helps maintain ideal weight

The Mediterranean diet is varied and has a low caloric intake. If you combine it with exercise, you will be able to reach the ideal weight. Combating obesity also reduces the risk of many diseases that worsen when the patient is not in optimal physical shape.

Unlike “miracle” diets, the Mediterranean diet helps people reach their ideal weight without causing side effects. It also helps prevent diseases associated with overweight or obesity.

10. The Mediterranean diet is useful for the environment

One of the foundations of the Mediterranean diet is the consumption of fresh and seasonal foods. Adopting these eating habits helps the environment by encouraging the correct use of natural resources.

After learning these 10 benefits of the Mediterranean diet, are you ready to try it?

Take advantage of the warm season that brings many fruits and vegetables, which allow you to put these tips into practice!