Discover the top 5 benefits of the Mediterranean diet to start the year on a high note!
You've spoiled yourself over the holidays, but you're tired of high-fat, high-sugar meals? The New Year is the perfect time to adopt new healthy habits! The benefits of the Mediterranean diet have been scientifically proven time and time again, and it's delicious!
But first, let's clarify something important: when we say "diet", we mean the style of eating, not deprivation. When it comes to Mediterranean foods, good taste comes with benefits!
So here are the five main benefits of incorporating Mediterranean products into your diet.
Contributes to good cardiovascular health
As the body's main organ, your heart needs to be looked after. With extra-virgin olive oil rich in polyunsaturated fats and vitamin E, you'll be pampering it!
This high-fiber diet, with foods such as lentils and brown rice, also reduces cholesterol and the risk of diabetes.
According to a New Zealand study published in La Presse, it's not eating food rich in bad fats and sugar that causes more heart attacks and strokes. On the contrary, eating more of the healthy foods included in the Mediterranean diet would reduce the chances of death from heart disease and stroke.
Reduces the risk of depression
Everything in our bodies is connected, from the gut to the brain! Diet can therefore help improve our mood.
For example, a diet rich in antioxidants and folates reduces the risk of depression. These nutrients, found in the fruits and vegetables of the Cretan diet, have positive effects on mental health. Why go without?
Improves brainpower
Who hasn't heard of omega 3? A star nutrient for optimizing cognitive functions, omega 3s are found mainly in oily fish, such as salmon and herring, which are very common in the Mediterranean diet.
Walnuts and flaxseed oil are also good omega-3 producers. In addition to boosting our cerebral capacities, these nutrients reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.
Slows aging and naturally moisturizes the skin
The vitamin- and antioxidant-rich foods that make up the Cretan diet help maintain energy, muscle strength and brain vitality in older people.
Rich in vitamins A, D, E and K and antioxidants, extra-virgin olive oil moisturizes the skin and helps reduce the oxidative stress that causes premature skin aging. Consumption of olive oil therefore helps skin firmness and elasticity.
Enough to make you want to change your store-bought vinaigrette for a good homemade extra-virgin olive oil dressing!
Protects against several types of cancer, including prostate and breast cancer
With the proliferation in recent years of studies on the gut and the impact of what we ingest every day, many results have demonstrated that diet is one of the most important factors influencing cancer risk.
For example, a Western-style diet with lots of fatty, sugary and ultra-processed foods increases the risk of breast cancer, while a Mediterranean diet reduces the risk.
For a healthy New Year, make the Mediterranean diet part of your eating habits. A little extra-virgin olive oil, fresh, healthy foods, and you're all set!
It's easy to incorporate new foods if they taste this good! Discover our olive oils and gourmet products so that you too can enjoy the benefits of the foods found in the Mediterranean diet.
Need ideas for delicious, healthy recipes? Visit our Recipes section!
