When it comes to eating healthy, there is a lot of information out there to digest. In fact, sometimes it seems like there’s almost too much. Is the new diet you’re reading about popular because it’s the latest fad or because it actually works?
The Mediterranean Diet is one that has increased in popularity over the last couple of years. Many people have adopted the lifestyle, claiming it’s led to better health. And unlike some other trends, this one has staying power. It recommends food choices that are ideal for all people, whether or not they have a medical condition.
What is the Mediterranean Diet?
The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes heavy consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and seafood, light consumption of poultry and dairy, and restrictions on sugars, processed meats, refined grains, and other highly processed foods. To add flavor, it focuses on using herbs, spices, and olive oil over salt and butter.
The diet gets its name because it mimics the traditional cooking style of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Fruits and vegetables are a large component of the Mediterranean Diet, modeled after residents of Greece, who eat an average of nine servings of fruit and veggies per day, along with very little red meat.
The diet doesn’t focus on restrictions. Rather, it encourages healthy choices, allowing adherents to experience the wonderful flavors of colorful foods. It also recommends enjoying meals with friends and family, exercise, and drinking red wine in moderation, if desired.
Health Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet
The diet not only sounds and tastes great; it has been proven to make a difference in the lives of many patients. It has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL or “bad” cholesterol. The delicious diet has also been shown to reduce the incidence of cancer as well as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
The benefits also extend to other areas of health, including improving weight loss, controlling blood sugar levels, and reducing risk of depression.
At Neighbors Emergency Center, our goal is to encourage all of our patients to pursue healthy lives. Like us on Facebook for regular tips on how you can make good choices to look and feel better. For more health and fitness tips, be sure to visit us on our website, where you can find our blogs. We are proud to provide 24/7 emergency services to residents in Houston and beyond.