From reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, to preventing the development of asthma and respiratory allergies in children, preventing heart attacks and now proven to cuts lung disease risk, Mediterranean diets takes top accolades for being a healthy diet plan in itself.
So what do Mediterranean diets include?
High amount of fruit and vegetables, bread, wheat and other cereals, olive oil and fish; making them low in saturated fat and high in mono unsaturated fat and dietary fiber. Red wine is also consumed regularly but in moderate quantities.
Of course apart from the diet healthy living would include Lifestyle factors such as more physical activity and extended social support systems.
What we inculcate into our diet from Mediterranean diets?
Alter recipes whenever possible to replace unhealthy fats with healthy fats like olive, canola or peanut oil.
Don’t believe “Fat Free” or “Cholesterol Free” labeling means that a the product is good for you. Many of these items are made with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils and they have “empty calories” that can raise blood triglyceride levels.
Try natural peanut butter instead of the pasty, hydrogenated kind.
Tip: Check out the Mediterranean diet pyramid
Source: BBC
