"A traditional Mediterranean diet consisting of large quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish, and olive oil—coupled with physical activity—can reduce your risk of serious mental and physical health problems." - helpguide.org
1. Prevents Heart Disease
When you think about Mediterranean food, your mind may go to pizza and pasta from Italy, or lamb chops from Greece, but these dishes don’t fit into the healthy dietary plans advertised as “Mediterranean.” A true Mediterranean diet is based on the region’s traditional fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seafood, olive oil, and dairy—with perhaps a glass or two of red wine. Following a Mediterranean diet limits your intake of refined breads, processed foods, and red meat, and encourages drinking red wine instead of hard liquor—all factors that can help prevent heart disease.
2. May reduce Risk of Women's Strokes
According to a cohort study, the benefits of following a Mediterranean diet extend beyond reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Specifically, researchers found that women who closely adhered to this diet experienced a decreased risk of stroke. The study examined a group of 23,232 men and women aged 40 to 77, predominantly from the United Kingdom. Notably, the results were statistically significant for women, but not for men. In fact, among women at high risk of stroke, the Mediterranean diet reduced their chances of experiencing this health event by 20 percent.
3. Protective against Cancer
A comprehensive analysis of various studies indicated that adopting the Mediterranean diet can potentially lower the risk of several types of cancer, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and head and neck cancers. Additionally, this dietary pattern has been found to have a positive impact on cancer survivors, reducing the likelihood of death.
4. Eases depression
A study examining 41 observational studies indicates a significant link between the Mediterranean diet and reduced depression rates. Combining data from four long-term studies, researchers found that individuals who followed the Mediterranean diet had a 33 percent lower risk of depression compared to those who followed a "pro-inflammatory diet" commonly found in the typical American diet, with higher consumption of processed meats, sugar, and trans fats.Although the specific reasons for the depression risk reduction were not identified, the study authors suggest that these findings lay the groundwork for future research and the development of diet-focused interventions for depression.
5. Tackles Obesity and Diabetes
The adoption of a Mediterranean diet has been shown to be beneficial in mitigating obesity and Type 2 diabetes, both of which are risk factors for conditions such as heart disease and stroke, among other health complications. A comprehensive review of five studies revealed that overweight or obese individuals who followed a Mediterranean diet achieved comparable or even greater weight loss compared to those following low-carb, low-fat, or alternative dietary approaches.
Experience the essence of the Mediterranean diet at Dux Dine, where our menus and dishes are thoughtfully crafted to promote health and wellness. Visit Dux today and savor the taste of a wholesome and balanced dining experience.
Comments