Five reasons why the Mediterranean diet is a healthy option in the 21st century

If you are a person who has been looking for a solid diet plan, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed most of the time. In the 21st century, it is almost impossible for a person to turn on a television or open a newspaper without being bombarded with advertisements for a variety of different diet plans and products.

With the wide variety of diet plans, programs, supplements, and aids on the market, it can seem almost impossible to select a diet plan that can and will best meet your needs now and in the future. More importantly, it can be difficult to discern whether one or the other of these various diet schemes is really a healthy course to follow. In many cases, fad diets aren’t really based on the fundamentals of healthy living.

As you continue to consider what type of diet plan or regimen will best suit your interests and improve your future health, you’ll want to take a look at the benefits that can be gained through the Mediterranean diet.

While there are multiple reasons why the Mediterranean diet is a healthy approach, there are five main reasons why the Mediterranean diet is a good choice.

1. The Benefits of Fruits, Vegetables, Fiber and Whole Grains

An important component of the Mediterranean diet includes the regular consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Medical experts and nutritionists universally agree that a person should eat five to six servings of fresh (or steamed) fruits and vegetables daily.

People who stick to the Mediterranean diet actually end up eating more than the minimum recommended amount of fruits and vegetables. As a result, nutritionists in different parts of the world have started recommending a Mediterranean based diet regimen to their clients. Similarly, physicians who consult with their patients about healthy eating practices often find themselves recommending the Mediterranean diet today.

Beyond fruits and vegetables, the Mediterranean diet includes healthy amounts of dietary fiber and whole grains. Fiber and whole grains have been shown to reduce the incidence of heart disease and some types of cancer.

2. The benefits of olive oil: avoid saturated fats

Some people have a fundamental misperception about the Mediterranean diet. These people have heard that the Mediterranean diet is high in fat. On some level, there is some truth to the view that the Mediterranean diet is higher in fat than other diet programs. A person following the Mediterranean diet consumes about thirty percent of their daily calories from fat. (Most diets recommend the intake of calories from fat at a rate of about thirteen to fifteen percent per day. However, these diets allow for the intake of animal fats.)

The vast majority of fat consumed by a person following the Mediterranean diet comes from olive oil. In other words, the fat found in the Mediterranean diet is not the dangerous saturated fat that can cause disease, obesity, and other health problems. In fact, research has shown that there are a number of robust benefits to consuming olive oil, including a reduced risk of breast cancer incidence in women.

3. Dairy in moderation

While moderate consumption of low-fat or fat-free dairy products may be beneficial in some cases, many people around the world rely on heavy cream, eggs, and other full-fat dairy products in their daily diets. The Mediterranean diet is low in dairy. In fact, all dairy products included in the diet are low in fat. A person is considered to eat a lot of eggs if they consume four eggs in a week.

4. Red meat in moderation

Very little red meat is included in the Mediterranean diet. When it comes to meats, this diet is based on moderate amounts of lean poultry and fresh fish. As a result, people who follow the Mediterranean diet plan have lower levels of “bad” cholesterol and higher levels of “good” cholesterol.

Additionally, due to the inclusion of lean, fresh fish in the diet, those who follow the Mediterranean diet enjoy the antioxidant benefits found in certain oils and fish products.

5. A well-balanced diet scheme

Ultimately, the Mediterranean diet is gaining praise from experts and adherents around the world because it is a balanced diet program. Study after study shows that a balanced diet that is low in fat and includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat works to ensure overall health and wellness.

conclusion

The Mediterranean diet is a comprehensive regimen for a healthy life. By following the restrictions of the Mediterranean diet, a person can enjoy better well-being, a reduced risk of certain diseases and, in many cases, a longer life.