The Mediterranean Diet - An Ointment For The Heart

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

The Mediterranean diet is not just an exotic and healthy way to get rid of some extra pounds. Along with all the health and beauty benefits, a number of studies point to following this diet as the main reason for the high life expectancy of people in the Mediterranean region.

A recent study by British experts shows that following this diet can reduce the risk of heart attack. Statistics show that people in Italy, France, Greece, Spain and even some parts of North Africa are much less at risk of cardiovascular disease than people in other developed countries.

The Mediterranean diet is a world-famous phenomenon. This diet involves the consumption of many fish and seafood, at the expense of red meat and pastries, which are allowed only 2-3 times a month. Residents of these regions consume a lot of seasonal fruits and vegetables as part of their daily menu.

Walnuts, almonds, rice, beans, lentils, peas, pine nuts are also on their table. Salads, as a mandatory part of every daily meal, are richly seasoned with olive oil and garnished with olives. Cereals are consumed mainly in the form of pasta and pasta. Daily, but in moderation, dairy products such as skim milk, cheese, cheese are also present on the table.

The study included almost 7,500 people who had to follow a strict Mediterranean diet or other diet that included less fat for 5 years. The participants in the experiment were aged 55 to 80 years. Nearly half of the volunteers were ladies.

The common denominator among all those who underwent the study was that they all had deteriorating health. They suffered from diabetes, were overweight, some were smokers or had a family history of heart and cardiovascular disease.

The participants in the study followed a Mediterranean diet. They ate portions of vegetables at least five times a day, in the form of salads seasoned with olive oil. For this purpose, scientists have used only cold-pressed olive oil, because it is believed that it has more useful properties than refined or light olive oil. Three times a week, their menu includes fish and other seafood.

Alcohol consumption during the study was limited to a glass or two of wine, but on a daily basis. Volunteers were encouraged to completely exclude red meats and pastries from their menu.

The results of this study unequivocally showed that people who adhere to Mediterranean diet have a 30% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, heart attack or stroke.

The data were so definite that they gave grounds for its authors to terminate it early. According to Dr. Ramon Estruch, lead author of the study: "Scientists agree that diet is a better alternative to drugs."