Mediter What? A Study Determined The Benefits Of Eating Like The Ancient Greeks
The term “Mediterranean” is not what it sounds like. The Med is one of the most diverse and complicated regions in the world, and its varied cultures, languages, and climates have created a unique food culture. Find out about these foods that are making headlines today!
What is a Mediterranean Diet?
Mediterranean diets are a type of healthy eating pattern that is typically associated with the countries in the Mediterranean basin. The countries in this region have a long history of consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health determined that people who follow a Mediterranean diet are more likely to have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some types of cancer than those who follow other types of diets.
The traditional Mediterranean diet is high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, low in saturated fat and cholesterol and includes moderate amounts of alcohol. Many of the foods that make up this diet are also high in antioxidants, which can protect against chronic diseases. Some of the benefits of following a Mediterranean diet include:
-Heart disease: A study published in the journal Circulation found that people who followed a Mediterranean diet were less likely to have heart disease than those who followed other types of diets. The study found that people who followed a Mediterranean diet had a 26 percent reduced risk of heart disease compared to those who followed other types of diets. The researchers believe that this reduction in risk is due to the high levels of antioxidants found in many Mediterranean
The Health Benefits of a Mediterranean Diet
If you’re looking for a healthy diet that’s packed with nutrients, consider following a Mediterranean diet. According to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who ate a Mediterranean diet had greater intakes of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber than those who followed any other type of diet. Here are some of the health benefits you can expect from following this eating pattern:
1. Greater intakes of antioxidants: A Mediterranean diet is high in antioxidants, which protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can cause inflammation and disease.
2. Greater intakes of vitamins and minerals: A Mediterranean diet is rich in vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. These nutrients help keep your body functioning properly and support your overall health.
3. Stronger immune system: A Mediterranean diet is filled with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, which support the health of your immune system. When your immune system is strong, it can fight off illnesses more effectively.
4. Fewer heart disease risks: A Mediterranean diet is linked with a lower risk of heart disease, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Researchers believe this may be due to the high
Pros and Cons of following a Mediterranean Diet
For years, people have been touting the benefits of following a Mediterranean diet. A recent study found that those who ate like the ancient Greeks had a lower risk of death from any cause. So what are the pros and cons to following this type of diet?
The biggest pro to following a Mediterranean diet is that it is rich in antioxidants, which have been shown to protect against cancer and heart disease. Additionally, the diet is high in fiber and low in sugar, which can help reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes. However, there are some cons to following this type of diet as well. For one, it is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, a Mediterranean diet is typically heavy in protein, which can be tough to digest if you are not used to eating a lot of meat.
Recipes for the Mediterranean Diet
Mediterranean cuisine is all about balance – a mix of healthy fats, complex carbs and proteins. Here are some recipes that will help you stick to the diet while enjoying your favorite foods!
Spicy Zucchini Noodles with Tzatziki Sauce This delicious and easy-to-make dish features zucchini noodles tossed in a spicy tzatziki sauce. It’s perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Ingredients: • 1 pound spaghetti or zucchini noodles • 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce (homemade or store-bought) • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder • 1/4 teaspoon cumin • pinch of salt • 1/4 cup chopped red onion • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro • 2 tablespoons olive oil • Fresh lemon juice to taste
Recommendations for People Who Don’t Want to Follow the Mediterranean Diet
If you’re not interested in following the Mediterranean diet, there are still plenty of health benefits to reap from eating like the ancient Greeks. In a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers looked at data from over 10,000 people and found that those who ate a Mediterranean-style diet were more likely to have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes than those who didn’t. Here are four ways to eat like the ancient Greeks without breaking the bank:
1. Eat Mostly Plant-based Foods The ancient Greeks were some of the most healthiest people on Earth because they ate a lot of plant-based foods. Just think about all of the vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes they ate – nothing was processed or heavyhanded with fats. Instead of consuming unhealthy processed foods and sugary beverages, stick to whole foods that will give you all of the nutrients your body needs.
2. Try Non-traditional Meats While many people think that only meat from animals is good for you, the ancient Greeks enjoyed eating other types of meats as well. They loved lamb, fish, chicken, and pork – all of which are
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to add some Mediterranean flavor to your diet without having to leave your home, you might be interested in the findings of a new study. According to the study, people who consumed a Mediterranean-style diet had lower rates of heart disease and other health conditions than those who ate more traditional American diets. The benefits of this style of eating appear to be due in part to the high levels of antioxidants found in foods like fruits and vegetables, as well as the relatively low levels of saturated fat and cholesterol found in these diets. If you’re ever feeling lost or frustrated when it comes to picking out healthy meals, give this style of eating a try — you may surprise yourself at just how delicious and nutritious it can be!
