The Mediterranean Diet Can Keep the Heart Healthy

A recent study has found that following a Mediterranean diet can actually be very beneficial to your health especially the heart. The study revealed that switching to a Mediterranean diet can prevent heart attacks, strokes and deaths from heart disease by about 30% in people that are in high risk of heart diseases. The New England Journal of Medicine published the findings of this study recently on their website.

The study on the effects of the Mediterranean diet on heart risks was conducted for almost 5 years and the results were startling to the experts. The study included three groups. One group followed a low fat diet while the remaining two groups followed a Mediterranean diet. One group that was assigned to follow a Mediterranean diet consumed extra virgin olive oil for each week and at least 4 tablespoons of the oil every day. Another group was assigned to consume at least an ounce of mixed nuts such as almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts every day. The groups following the Mediterranean diet consumed at least 3 servings of fruits and two serving of vegetables each day and eat fish at least thrice in a week. Legumes such as beans, peas and lentils were also included in the diet at least thrice in a week. The participants strictly consumed white meat and those who are used to drinking were asked to have at least 7 glasses of wine in a week with their meals. The participants were also asked to avoid eating cookies that are commercially made as well as cakes and pastries. Consumption of dairy products and processed meats was also limited.

If you want to keep your heart healthy, you should seriously consider switching to the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet.

Following the Mediterranean Diet

So what pops into your mind once you hear the word Mediterranean? You probably picture a paradise with people living life in a leisurely manner. Now that the findings on the study of the Mediterranean diet have been revealed when the word Mediterranean is mentioned many would be thinking about the diet that the residents of this region love.

The people of the Mediterranean region love dining on meals that include fish, fruits, vegetables, olives and crusty breads made from whole grains dipped in olive oil. A glass of wine is usually served along with their meals.

Be Like the People of the Mediterranean Region

The Mediterranean people have followed a diet consisting of a high amount of plant foods and monounsaturated fats. Olive oil is a great source of these monounsaturated fats or the healthy fats. You can also use the culinary Argan oil as a substitute as this oil is also packed with these healthy fats and antioxidants. This type of diet is not just healthy but also bursting with flavors. Aside from following a healthy diet, Mediterranean people also get plenty of regular physical activity. However they do not think of their eating habits as a diet plan and they live life simply and in a very relaxed manner.

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