5 Things the Mediterranean Diet Can Do for You
Fresh, in-season produce, best-quality seafood and meat, and above all, plenty of olive oil (and other good-for-you unsaturated fats)— we call this the Mediterranean Diet, and research points to its many health benefits. If you’re a regular Sun Basket customer, you’re already following the Mediterranean Diet to some extent. Our recipes lean heavily on this healthy and delicious way of eating. And Sun Basket’s team of dietitians are big fans.
Because it’s one of the most inclusive of diets, the Mediterranean Diet has broad appeal and is easy to follow. “It’s the best of both worlds,” Lindsey Kane, director of nutrition says. “The flavors are amazing, and the health benefits are measurable. It’s one of the best examples of how nutritious food can also be delicious.”
Five Things the Mediterranean Diet Can Do
1. Increase Longevity
A landmark study of American female nurses found that those on the Mediterranean Diet in middle age were about 40% more likely to live past 70, free of any of 11 chronic illnesses, including type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease, and many cancers.
2. Keep Your Brain Sharp
Australian researchers recently found that the Mediterranean Diet is associated with lower rates of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. The diet even improves ordinary cognitive functioning: those on the diet also showed better memory and executive functioning, such as reasoning and planning.
3. Help Prevent Breast Cancer
In one of the largest studies, scientists analyzed the eating patterns of more than 4,200 women in Spain, and found that those consuming a Mediterranean diet were 62% less likely to get breast cancer than those following a standard low-fat diet.
4. Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
One European study followed more than 2,500 Greek adults for over a decade, tracking their medical records, lifestyle habits, and eating patterns. Those who most closely followed the Mediterranean Diet were a whopping 47% less likely to get heart disease, regardless of their smoking habits, age, family history, or other lifestyle factors.
5. Help Maintain your Weight
It’s a common misconception that high-fat diets lead to weight gain. Results from one major study show that those following a Mediterranean diet lost significantly more weight than those who ate a low-fat diet.
