So, the Mediterranean, has to be one of the most beautiful and intriguing places in all of the world. Crystal blue waters, ancient history, and amazing foods! Sounds wonderful right? Well, they are also renowned for their food benefits as well. It turns out that their way of eating is one of the most healthy overall on the whole planet, even if they sneak a few unhealthy things in their diet. Ready to jump on the plane yet??? I AM!
According to Uptodate (A medical guide for professionals), it has shown to have many health benefits. In a 2022 study in Spain (CARDIOPREV), it was shown to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, arterial disease, and overall cardiac death compared to a low-fat diet. It also has been shown to be associated with lower risk of Parkinson, and Alzheimer’s. And reduce the incidence of colon, prostate, and breast cancers. To me this almost sounds like the Fountain of Youth or the Holy Grail! But remember, we are what we eat, and if we put junk in our bodies, then we can expect to run and look like a junk car! We need to put lean and healthy into our bodies, so we can at least resemble that Corvette!
So what IS the Mediterranean Diet? You will end up eating A LOT of the following foods: Fruits and vegetables, potatoes, whole-grains, beans, nuts, seeds and extra virgin olive oil, some of these we discussed in our last post on cholesterol. Sounds very familiar right. You also eat in MODERATION, lean chicken, fish, seafood, dairy and eggs. This diet also allows for a moderate amount of wine. It also wants you to LIMIT added sugars, sugary beverages, sodium, highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and fatty or processed meats.
In the end, this way of eating sounds very similar to eating healthy in general. The combination of these foods together seem to be the right way to go for heart health and overall longevity. If you google this diet, it will give you many recipes and meal plans. If nothing else, maybe it will help you to believe you are on one of those beautiful Mediterranean Isles! And now you are Mediterranean wise!
If you have time check out info on the Blue Zones. These are places in the world that have the largest numbers of centenarians. They relate it to their diet. See here at: https://www.bluezones.com/2020/07/blue-zones-diet-food-secrets-of-the-worlds-longest-lived-people/
sources: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16037-mediterranean-diet https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/mediterranean-diet
Becoming Wellness Wise 
Beautiful!!
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