The Mediterranean diet can help you live a long and healthy life. Here’s why

An improper lifestyle coupled with bad food habits often takes a toll on our health and impacts the vital organs of our body, including the heart. And so, it is important to choose a diet that will help us live healthily ever after. Thankfully, the Mediterranean diet can help.

A number of studies have shown that Mediterranean-style diets could be the answer to good nutrition as well as a healthy heart. All this apart from the fact that it is extremely tasty, of course.

According to a study published by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, researchers have identified the Mediterranean diet to be a healthy pattern of eating that can also contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

A study published in The Open Inflammation Journal suggests that:

The study notes that Mediterranean-style diets have anti-inflammatory effects on all body systems. The cardio-protective effects of diets rich in flavonoids and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are most likely linked with their possible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, according to this study.

What is the Mediterranean diet?
Mediterranean-style diet is one that is rich in plant-based foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grain, legumes, nuts, seeds, potatoes, olive oil, fish, as well as poultry.

The diet has, over the years, become popular around the world as it is considered to be excellent for its prevention of heart ailments, strokes, type 2 diabetes, weight loss, and premature deaths.

These are the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet
People who follow this diet and include physical activities can witness remarkable health benefits. Here are all benefits you would reap by following this diet:

Prevent heart diseases and strokes: A number of studies have shown that a Mediterranean diet can help the body maintain healthy cholesterol levels and diminish the risk of high blood pressure as well as heart ailments.

When you are on the Mediterranean-style diet, you end up restricting the consumption of refined bread, processed foods, and red meat. By avoiding these foods, you are keeping yourself away from falling prey to heart diseases and stroke.

Lowers risk of diabetes: A study by the Second University of Naples suggests that adopting a Mediterranean diet may help prevent type 2 diabetes. It also concluded that a lower carbohydrate, Mediterranean-style diet is good for people who have been medically confirmed to be diabetic.

It helps with digestion: The diet is rich in fibre which digests gradually and prevents the rise in blood sugar levels. It also helps you to maintain a healthy weight.

Slow development of Alzheimer’s: Scientists suggest that people who consume a Mediterranean diet may witness as much as three-and-a-half-year delay in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Lower risk of Parkinson’s disease: A study published in the journal Movement Disorders says researchers have found out that this diet helps lower the probability of prodromal Parkinson’s disease in older people.
A large amount of antioxidants in this diet prevents cells from damaging and thereby minimizes the risk of Parkinson’s disease in half.

So, you see, the Mediterranean diet is more than just its taste. It’s got the power to prevent some of the most deadly diseases and is a powerhouse of nutrients. Get on it to get healthy!