What Is A Mediterranean Diet And What Its Health Benefits Are

Good eating and lifestyle choices can improve general health and well-being. According to a new study, people’s chance of dying young can be decreased by following a Mediterranean diet. While the Mediterranean diet has long been associated with health benefits, a recent study suggests that it also helps in longevity.

A recent JAMA Network analysis states that eating a regular Mediterranean diet lowers the risk of death from any kind of disease by 23 per cent. According to Dr Samia Mora of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, “Our study suggests that women who follow a Mediterranean diet may live longer.” According to Dr Samia Mora, this diet may reduce mortality by around 25% over more than 25 years, with cancer and heart disease being the two main causes of death in the US and around the world.

The reason it is named the Mediterranean diet is that, historically, people from the Mediterranean Sea-bordering nations of France, Spain, Greece and Italy followed this diet. Between 1993 and 1996, the researchers gathered and examined the health records of 25,000 individuals for this study.

Over 25,000 healthy women were followed for more than 25 years in the Women’s Health Study as part of a recent study. The study revealed that women who adhered strictly to the Mediterranean diet experienced a nearly twenty-five per cent reduction in mortality during the study period. In particular, compared to those who did not adhere to the regimen, these women had a 17 per cent lower chance of dying from heart disease and a 20 per cent lower risk of dying from cancer. The benefits of the diet, according to the researchers, might result from enhanced insulin resistance, decreased inflammation and favourable changes in metabolism.

Mediterranean Diet Health Benefits

Below are some of the health benefits that one can have if one follows a Mediterranean diet-

Reduce Cancer Risk

Prevents Diabetes

Helps in Managing Weight

Decreases Inflammation

Improves Heart Health

Increases Lifespan

What Does a Mediterranean Diet Consist Of?

The Mediterranean diet primarily consists of fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, people eat whole grains, legume vegetables (lentils, beans, peanuts, etc.), nuts and seeds, as well as heart-healthy foods like avocado, walnuts and salmon. On the other hand, despite living in a chilly climate, the Mediterranean diet limits the use of processed foods, added sugar and refined grains. It also limits alcohol intake. This diet also controls weight and lowers the risk of heart-related disorders.