Mediterranean diet for Healthy Heart

• Posted by Emily Williams September 26, 2013 - Filed in Health - #Mediterranean diet  #diet  #Mediterranean  - 2,179 views

  Mediterranean diet for healthy Heart.

  
  

  Mediterranean diet is considered as the healthiest diet option out of all the available diet types in the world. This diet is  is rich in plant foods and healthy fats and is thought to promote long, healthy and disease free life.

   

  Mediterranean diet is proved by many studies to protect against the development of heart diseases, few types of cancer, obesity, dementia and diabetes.

   

  The Mediterranean diet is always taken fresh and can also be customized according to cultural preferences. Its preparation methods are simple and it never includes any processed foods. The amount of saturated fat, salt and meat is highly reduced in Mediterranean diet.

   

  Mediterranean diet basically includes foods such as vegetables, beans, whole grains, fruits, nuts, olives, extra virgin olive oil, yogurt, fish, poultry, eggs and wine. These foods provide good amounts of vitamins, minerals, micronutrients, antioxidants, and fiber that help providing a disease free and long life in addition to protection from few types of chronic diseases.

   

  Adapting to this diet includes no calorie counting. The important part is replacing bad fats with good fat. Opting olive oil instead of butter, choosing fish and poultry over red meat, having fresh fruits in the place of sugary desserts are some important things in Mediterranean diet which help in keeping a person healthy.  

   

  This diet includes consumption of a variety of nuts in daily diet, but no more than a handful. It limits the intake of wine and whole grain bread to moderation. A whole grain bread finds place in this diet as it has more protein and minerals when compared to normal white flour bread, and also whole grain bread does not give a sudden blood glucose rise which happens in the case of white bread.

   

  Fresh and seasonal food supplies occupy a major chunk of Mediterranean diet. Whatever fat is allowed in this diet is a good fat. Some sources of good fat are nuts, olives, olive oil. Good fat in addition to adding flavor to food also helps to stave off diabetes and cancer.  

   

  Steamed sweet potatoes which are a part of this diet are a great source of energy which digest slowly and so keeps on feel full longer. Mediterranean herbs and spices like bay leaves, coriander have disease fighting antioxidants. Pepper and cinnamon can replace the use of salt, making the diet much more healthy.

  
  Mediterranean diet is packed with antioxidant which helps to keep heart healthier and mind sharper. and Apart from health benefits, Mediterranean diet also helps one to lose weight. Sticking to the diet and having regular physical activity helps to maintain a healthy weight along with a healthy lifestyle.