The Mediterranean Diet has a wide assortment of foods that you can have for years altogether without a feeling of boredom or getting off the diet. In fact, this diet can reduce the risk of getting cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The Mediterranean diet can also prevent the onset of early death and helps in weight management. You do not need to be a skilled cook to rustle up Mediterranean meals, as they can be made quite simply and are delicious and inexpensive too!
The main ingredients in this diet are grains, beans/legumes, peas, fruits and vegetables along with some portions of fish and chicken. The fats used come from nuts and olive oil and there is minimal red meat involved. Furthermore, the accompaniment of red wine with the meals has its own health benefits. Here are the benefits that the Mediterranean natives have derived out of this diet:
- It increases agility in elders as it decreases the odds of the elderly to develop frailty by about 70%. For instance, muscle weakness, exhaustion, and slow walking are symptoms that it keeps at bay and this also further helps in preventing the incidents of fractures and falls in elderly people.
- This diet helps to fight chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, macular degeneration, dental disease, Alzheimer’s and arthritis. It also helps people having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
- It also protects the brain as the healthy lifestyle prevents cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, this diet is very effective, as it comprises of brain-healthy foods that have positive impact on memory functions.
However, another good contribution, apart from the excellent nutrition that the Mediterranean diet provides, is the other non-food-related factors. The Mediterranean people tend to lead a very active life well into their platinum years. They savor their food and eat in moderate portions, whereas the Americans eat far too excess and quickly apart from leading a sedentary lifestyle leading to weight gain and obesity.
Having meals with the family and living in a community with friends and family is another great way of ensuring healthy eating. It not only fosters social bonds and helps strengthen them, but it leads to a stress-free existence and prevents the loneliness that the elderly feel.
Hence, by following the Mediterranean diet plan you will derive maximum benefits and protection from diseases, but try to follow it in spirit as well by having meals with your family and friends too!