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

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

If you are a person who has been looking for a solid diet plan, you may feel 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 vast selection of diet plans, programs, supplements and tools on the market, it can seem nearly impossible to choose a diet plan that best suits your needs now and in the future. More importantly, it can be difficult to discern whether one or another of these different eating regimens is actually a healthy course. In many cases, diets really aren't based on the fundamentals of healthy living.

When considering what type of diet plan or regimen will best serve your interests and improve your health in the future, consider looking at the benefits that the Mediterranean diet can provide.

While there are several 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

A main component of the Mediterranean diet is regular consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Medical experts and nutritionists generally agree that a person should eat between five and six servings of fresh fruits and vegetables (or steamed products) daily.

People who follow 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 recommended a Mediterranean diet to their customers. Similarly, doctors who often consult with their patients about healthy eating practices now recommend the Mediterranean diet.

In addition to fruits and vegetables, the Mediterranean diet contains healthy amounts of fiber and whole grains. Fiber and whole grains have been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of heart disease and some cancers.

2. The Benefits of Olive Oil – Avoiding Saturated Fat

Some people have a fundamental misconception about the Mediterranean diet. These people have heard that the Mediterranean diet is high in fat. There is some truth to the idea that the Mediterranean diet is higher in fat than some other diet programs. A person following the Mediterranean diet consumes approximately thirty percent of their daily calories from fat. (Most diets recommended consuming calories from fat at a rate of about thirteen to fifteen percent per day. However, these diets do consider consuming animal fat.)

The vast majority of the fat a person consumes on the Mediterranean diet comes from olive oil. In other words, the fat contained in the Mediterranean diet is not the dangerous saturated fat that can cause disease, obesity and other health problems. Research has shown that consuming olive oil provides a number of solid benefits, including reducing the risk of breast cancer in women.

3. Milk in moderation

While consuming low-fat or fat-free dairy products in moderation can be beneficial in some cases, many people around the world rely on heavy creams, eggs, and other fat-filled dairy products in their daily diet. The Mediterranean diet is low in dairy. In fact, all dairy products actually included in the diet are low in fat. A person is considered an extremely heavy egg eater if they consume four eggs in a week.

4. Red meat in moderation

The Mediterranean diet contains very little red meat. When it comes to meat products, 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 “bad” cholesterol levels and higher “good” cholesterol levels.

Due to the inclusion of lean, fresh fish in the diet, followers of the Mediterranean diet also enjoy the antioxidant benefits found in certain fish oils and products.

5. A balanced diet program

Ultimately, the Mediterranean diet is recognized by experts and followers around the world as 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 meats ensures absolute health and well-being.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean diet is a comprehensive program for a healthy life. By following the strict Mediterranean diet, a person can enjoy improved well-being, a reduction in the risk of certain diseases and, in many cases, a longer life.