Look And Feel Better With Mediterranean Diet.
If you have any existing medical conditions such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension or cardiac disease; or if you are just sick and tired of fighting the battle of the middle age bulge, the Mediterranean Diet is one you should seriously consider.
The Mediterranean Diet is a heart-healthy eating plan that incorporates the cooking styles and local ingredients of the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. As a family practice physician for the past 14 years, I have seen some amazing benefits the diet has had on my patients health and waistlines.
At its core, the Mediterranean Diet incorporates the essentials of healthy eating plus it allows a liberal amount of flavorful olive oil and even a glass or two of red wine on a daily basis among other components characterizing the traditional cooking style of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.
Most healthy diets include vegetables, fish, fruits and whole grains, and limit unhealthy fats. This is true for the Mediterranean diet as well, and also in allowing different food groups in differing amounts, it can aid in controlling weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and even diabetes.
The key components of the diet include regular exercise, as well as a majority of the diet being made up of primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. Olive oil is used almost all the time instead of butter and herbs and seasonings replace salt in most all foods.
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Fish and poultry are eaten approximately 2 times week while red meat is limited to 2 times a month. Red wine in moderation is allowed on a regular basis while over-indulging in alcohol consumption is felt to be unhealthy. Research has shown the Mediterranean diet can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.
Recent studies have also demonstrated that using a traditional Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduced incidence of cancer and cancer mortality, and a reduced incidence of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s dementia. In addition to these known health benefits, a diet that is high in vegetables and grains, while being low in fats and meat products will also lead to weight loss for the majority of people who follow it.
