Sticking to a full Mediterranean diet provides substantial protection against major chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, according to a study published on BMJ on September 11, 2008. The Mediterranean diet from populations bordering the Mediterranean Sea has a reputation for being a model of healthy eating and contributing to better health and quality of life. It is rich in olive oil, grains, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and fish, but low in meat, dairy products and alcohol. A team of researchers from the University of Florence assessed twelve international studies, which collectively included more than 1.5 million participants whose dietary habits and health were tracked for follow-up periods ranging from three to eighteen years. All the studies examined the concept of using a numerical score to estimate how much people stuck to the diet, called an adherence score. The researchers found that people who stuck strictly to a Mediterranean diet had significant improvements in their health.
The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating based on the traditional cuisine of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its numerous health benefits and is characterized by:
- High consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
- Using olive oil as the primary source of fat.
- Moderate amounts of fish and poultry.
- Low consumption of red meats and sweets.
Some of the key health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet include:
- Heart Health: Reduces risk factors for heart disease.
- Weight Management: Helps in maintaining a healthy weight.
- Diabetes Prevention: Lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Cancer Prevention: May reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
- Brain Health: Linked to a lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases.