You’ve probably heard that the Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest in the world, but what does the science say about its potential benefits? Decades of research have shown that following the Mediterranean diet can help us live longer, healthier lives. If you wonder why, read on.
Mediterranean diet It is based on the traditional cuisines of Italy, Greece and other countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. It is a primarily plant-based approach, with the preferred animal protein be fish and shellfish. The Mediterranean diet is rich in whole grains, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, beans and other legumes, nuts, herbs, and spices. It also encourages the moderate consumption of red wine and the reduction of processed foods.
Here, we round up seven science-backed benefits of the Mediterranean diet. And if after reading this article you decide to try this diet, be sure to consult our easy mediterranean diet plan for helpful hints and tips.
1. It can help you live longer
The Mediterranean diet could be one of the keys to longevity and the slower aging of centenarians. A lots of studies (opens in a new tab) have shown that older people who follow this diet are more likely to live longer.
There is also evidence that following a Mediterranean diet could help older people retain their strength and mobility. Frailty is a syndrome that combines the effects of natural aging with the results of multiple chronic conditions and deconditioning. It can significantly affect the quality of life in old age. And according to a meta-analysis published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging (opens in a new tab)Greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet is related to a lower risk of frailty.
2. Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases
The best-known and best-researched benefit of the Mediterranean diet is its impact on cardiovascular health. This could be attributed in part to the effect it has on the endothelium: the cells that line the inside of our blood vessels. According to a review published in the Nutrition Magazine (opens in a new tab)Mediterranean diets help improve endothelial function, which in turn prevents cholesterol plaques from building up in the arteries.
Multiple studies (opens in a new tab) have shown that this dietary pattern may particularly protect against coronary heart disease and stroke. There’s also evidence (opens in a new tab) which can reduce our risk of heart failure.
3. May Prevent Cognitive Decline and Dementia
Better brain health in old age is another potential benefit of the Mediterranean diet. A lots of studies (opens in a new tab) have shown how this dietary pattern can contribute to better cognitive function and a lower risk of cognitive decline in healthy older adults. Furthermore, there is convincing evidence that Mediterranean diets can help prevent Alzheimer diseaseas described in the Journal of Clinical Medicine (opens in a new tab). In Alzheimer’s disease, abnormal proteins called amyloid form plaques that disrupt communication between neurons. That is why they are used as biomarkers for this serious condition.
4. Helps you lose weight
The Mediterranean diet is not only healthy, but it can also help you lose weight. A calorie deficit it is the most important principle behind weight maintenance, and Mediterranean diets naturally include many low-calorie foods.
a 2020 PREDIMED-Plus study (opens in a new tab) followed 6,355 overweight participants through their weight loss journey. The researchers found that those who adhered the most to the Mediterranean diet also had the best weight loss results. Evidence is also emerging that this dietary pattern may be a great strategy for maintaining body weight. According to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition (opens in a new tab), a greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a twofold greater probability of maintaining the lost weight in the long term. If you want to try it out for yourself, be sure to check out our guide on the Mediterranean diet to lose weight..
5. May prevent type 2 diabetes
One of the lesser-known benefits of the Mediterranean diet is that it can help prevent and control type 2 diabetes. As described in nutrients (opens in a new tab) journal, there are several ways this dietary pattern can improve blood glucose levels, including higher levels of anti-inflammatories antioxidantsfoods with low glycemic index (GI) and better gut health. According to a meta-analysis published in the Advances in Nutrition (opens in a new tab) review, even modest adherence to a Mediterranean diet might lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
6. May protect against cancer
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (opens in a new tab)Nearly one in 10 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their life. Cancer is also the second most common cause of death in the US today. Although there are many types of cancer and contributing factors, healthy nutrition remains an important preventive strategy. Numerous studies point especially to the Mediterranean diet as a way to avoid these serious diseases.
According to a review published in the European Journal of Nutrition (opens in a new tab), greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet is related to a lower risk of dying from cancer. It also greatly reduces the risk of developing colorectal, head, neck, respiratory, gastric, liver, and bladder cancers.
7. It can help with rheumatoid arthritis
The Mediterranean diet could also bring benefits to those who suffer from Rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition characterized by severe pain and stiffness in the joints, for which there is no known cure.
One of the main characteristics of this disease is a high level of eicosanoids: compounds that promote inflammation. Multiple studies (opens in a new tab) have shown that anti-inflammatory diets, including plant-based and Mediterranean dietary patterns, are an effective way to reduce eicosanoid production and associated joint pain. According to scientists from the International Rheumatology (opens in a new tab) journal, the Mediterranean diet may also help increase physical function in people living with this condition.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to offer medical advice.