The reputation of the Mediterranean diet is well established. It has just been, and for the 5th consecutive year, ranked “best diet in general” by the American magazine US News, which examines the various slimming and health diets each year. By emphasizing fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil and other healthy foods, experts have found this “diet” or rather this way of eating to be particularly smart.
While they only awarded it a modest 3/5 for overall weight loss, it scores a victorious 4.8/5 for its health benefits. This allows him to keep his first lace on the podium ahead of the DASH diet (in 2nd position) and the flexitarian diet (in 3rd position).
The Mediterranean diet, (really) good for your health. It must be said that the Mediterranean diet – also called “Cretan diet” – is a real ally of our health. Scientific studies follow one another: this diet inspired by eating habits around the Mediterranean would be excellent for preserving the cardiovascular system (it fights against cholesterol and atherosclerosis), to fight against type 2 diabetes (it slows down insulin resistance ), reduce mood disorders (it improves depressive symptoms) or even reduce the risk of cancer (breast and prostate cancer, in particular).
It has interested researchers since the 1950s! But it is above all the more recent PREDIMED clinical trial which concluded that the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular events by 30% in patients at high cardiovascular risk, compared to a low-fat diet.
The Mediterranean diet fights overweight
In addition, it has been shown that during pregnancy, adopting a Mediterranean diet helps prevent gestational diabetes and improves the cardiovascular health of the unborn child. And in seniors, this diet based on olive oil and “fruits of the sun” fights AMD, osteoporosis and cognitive decline. But good !
Does the Mediterranean diet make you lose weight? If the primary objective of the Mediterranean diet is not weight loss, this healthy diet also fights against overweight since it consists of “good” fats (omega-3 and omega-9) and vegetable proteins ( legumes, cereals…) while avoiding refined sugars, red meat, dairy products and alcohol – with the exception of red wine, in moderation!
Warning ! To lose weight, the Mediterranean diet is not enough: it is also necessary to practice regular and appropriate physical activity. You can (for example) bet on outdoor sports such as cycling, running, Qi Gong, brisk walking or paddleboarding to enjoy the sun and imagine yourself at the seaside…
According to experts, the duo “Mediterranean diet + physical activity” would allow you to lose up to 5 kilos per month. Moderate weight loss, but with real health benefits.
Sources: World Health Organization (WHO)
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