The culinary traditions of the Mediterranean region, including Greece, Italy, Croatia, Turkey, Spain, and Morocco, are renowned for their delectable and nutritious portions.
Probably, that’s why one of the most popular diets known as the Mediterranean diet has been named the healthiest diet of 2024 for the seventh time by a panel of experts, according to the US News & World Report.
While most people living in the Mediterranean region consume a variety of foods, their predominant diet revolves around plant-based elements such as whole grains, beans, nuts, and unsaturated fats from extra-virgin olive oil. Limited lean poultry and abundant seafood also find a place in their meals.
Central to the Mediterranean diet is an emphasis on overall dietary quality rather than a singular nutrient or food group.
Numerous studies affirm its efficacy in reducing the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, ensuring longevity, and enhancing the overall quality of life.
The Mediterranean diet’s nutritional benefits and health advantages were initially revealed in the Seven Countries Study, a comprehensive investigation spanning from 1958 to 1999 that explored the correlation between diet and heart diseases among approximately 13,000 men.
This study demonstrated that the type of fats – saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated – plays a more crucial role in cardiovascular health than the total fat intake.
While conventional nutritional advice suggests limiting total calorie intake from fat to 30%, the Mediterranean diet allows up to 40%, provided most fats are unsaturated.
According to the US & World Report, the Mediterranean diet focusses on nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats, limiting the intake of saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium. Source: India Today