Is the Mediterranean Diet Effective?

This is the lifestyle of the people living in the Mediterranean region and has been one of the most healthy diet options available. It is the routine diet of the people in this region that showed the way for all those who love healthy diet habits. Their way of life, including the diet and physical activity, is found to be good against a number of conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and dementia. It is the right combination of exercise and a diet rich in plant foods that has contributed to the health benefits of this diet.

Mediterranean diet varies with the region in Europe where it is practiced. It is often influenced by the food availability and preferences in each region. The strong base of this diet is the importance given to plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, along with cheese, yogurt, fish, egg and wine. Needless to say, these foods are rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that provide the load of health benefits that the diet boasts of. Preference is given to whole, unprocessed foods. What is more attractive is that it includes very less amount of saturated fats, sodium, sweets and meat. Physical activity is a regular part of the lifestyle in most parts of Mediterranean region.

Another important component in the diet is extra virgin olive oil, which offers several health benefits because of the presence of phytonutrients. The diet is also known to be associated with a decrease in the risk of diseases including cardiovascular diseases. Studies show that intake of this diet reduces the risk of other diseases like high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol levels, obesity, and high blood sugar level.  The diet is rich in plant foods, while it is lesser in meat, meat products, high fat-diary and refined grains. No wonder this diet is heralded as one of the best options available for losing weight. This healthy diet along with regular physical activity, provides both health and weight loss advantage.

Many experts also agree to the fact that this is one of the most effective meal plans available. Many more studies have added solid evidences to show that the Mediterranean lifestyle is a very effective plan for people. The most important benefits of this plan is that it is very convenient to follow, cheap, flexible and most of all, very healthy. All those things that are needed for the platter in this diet are available locally.