The rmediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest diets. Against heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cholesterol or even against diabetes… this diet, which gives pride of place with fresh fruits and vegetables, oily fish and vegetable oilswould fight against aging and diseases.
The Mediterranean diet has also been voted “ best diet “, according to the 2023 ranking American media US News & World Report.
A news study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging encourages the Mediterranean diet to prevent disability in the elderly. Its anti-aging properties could help to better recover from a hospitalization and resume daily activities more quickly.
The study adds that elderly people who follow the Mediterranean diet also improve their general condition.
The Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of physical deterioration
Disability associated with hospitalization is a problem that concerns many elderly patients. The new study conducted on 260 patients aged 75 and over from the Gregorio Marañón University Hospital (Madrid) showed that adhering to the Mediterranean diet improved several health parameters, including urinary polyphenol levels. Certain physical exercises combined with the Mediterranean diet have also contributed to improving the health status of patients.
” We observed that patients significantly increased their functional state at exit, in relation to their admission. However, to date, there was no evidence of the effect of a healthy diet on the functional status of hospitalized older adults. “says José Antonio Serra-Rexach, researcher involved in the study.
” A healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is associated with lower risk of physical deterioration and weakness in the elderly. Considering that the Mediterranean diet is rich in polyphenols, we evaluated the monitoring of this diet through a validated questionnaire as well as by analyzing the level of polyphenols in urine. explains Professor Mireia Urpi-Sarda, from the Biomarkers and Nutritional & Food Metabolomics research group at UB.
How to adopt the Mediterranean diet?
Do you want to adopt the Mediterranean diet on a daily basis? Stock up on seasonal fruits and vegetables, wholemeal pasta, wholemeal rice, wholemeal bread, pulses (lentils, chickpeas, beans, etc.) fatty fish (sardines, mackerel, herring, salmon, etc.), vegetable oils including olive oil, dried fruits (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios…) as well as goat’s and sheep’s cheese.
If doctors today recommend the Mediterranean diet, it is for its richness in vitamins, omega-3, antioxidants, but also fiber. This way of eating is beneficial for intestinal transit, prevents cardiovascular disease and has a positive effect on maintaining mental health.
This diet involves limit saturated fats, such as red meat and the refined and processed products.
