Know the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet other than weight loss

The Mediterranean diet focuses on the consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains

The Mediterranean diet has received a lot of attention over the past year. It has been ranked as one of the best diets of 2020. It is not just a diet, but a healthy diet that can provide multiple health benefits. There is no certain diet for the Mediterranean diet. It focuses on consuming whole foods, mainly fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, olive oil, herbs, and whole grains. Healthy fats and a certain amount of dairy products are also part of this diet. Added sugar, refined grains, highly processed grains, and refined oils are avoided by following this diet. This diet offers a variety of nutrients.

Mediterranean diet: weight loss and other benefits

Nutritionist Lovneet Batra said in one of her Instagram posts: “The Mediterranean diet is a very traditional food concept (not a diet) that focuses on consuming healthy carbohydrates in the form of organic, unprocessed whole grains, fruits and vegetables. This diet is useful for those who want to strengthen their cardiovascular health. It can also help lower blood pressure and blood sugar. “

The Mediterranean diet focuses on consuming seasonal fruits and vegetables
Photo credit: iStock

What to eat-

“It’s a concept of eating that focuses on food groups. We need to focus on eating seasonal foods with two servings of fruit and 4-5 servings of seasonal vegetables. Indian substitutes can include peanut oil, mustard oil, cow ghee, fresh chakki aata, dalia, nuts, seeds, olive oil and seasonal and local vegetables, ”Batra shares in his IGTV.

Also Read: Tired of Managing Psoriasis? Switch to a Mediterranean diet and see the difference; Dietary advice

Health Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet:

The Mediterranean diet helps in weight loss because it controls the consumption of processed foods high in calories and sugar. Ensuring the consumption of enough fruits and vegetables also helps ensure optimal nutritional intake.

Increase heart health

As mentioned earlier, this diet can help you improve heart health. It helps control various risk factors for heart disease including bad cholesterol and high blood pressure.

The Mediterranean Diet Helps Improve Heart Health
Photo credit: iStock

Helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes

According to studies, following a Mediterranean diet can help control your risk of diabetes as well as regulate blood sugar. If you have diabetes, you can seek expert help on how to follow the Mediterranean diet to control blood sugar.

Also Read: Olive Oil In The Mediterranean Diet May Help You Live Longer

Prevents diseases

The Mediterranean diet helps reduce inflammation and offers a good amount of antioxidants that can help your body fight free radicals. It further helps in controlling the overall risk of chronic diseases.

Also read: Weight Loss: Vegetarian Diet vs. Mediterranean Diet: Which Works Best?

At first, it can be difficult to avoid processed ingredients and sugary treats. To ensure a balanced diet, you can talk to your expert to help you plan better.

(Lovneet Batra is a Delhi-based nutritionist and author)

Disclaimer: This content, including tips, provides generic information only. It does not in any way replace qualified medical advice. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV assumes no responsibility for this information.