The Mediterranean Diet is based on the eating habits of people around the Mediterranean Sea for hundreds of years. The diet relies on foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seafood and olive oil. Here are some of the health benefits of this diet.

Slows Aging

The Mediterranean Diet prevents Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. In addition, it can prevent conditions such as diabetes and heart disease that affect the elderly. The Mediterranean Diet is full of nutrients that help prevent muscle weakness in the elderly, as well. Anti-aging specialist Dr. Dominique Fradin-Read recommends the Mediterranean Diet to her patients. 

Helps Control Diabetes

The Mediterranean Diet can help manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 Diabetes. The diet can improve blood sugar control more than a low-carb, high-protein or low-glycemic index diet can. Adherents of the Mediterranean Diet are also less likely to develop diabetes in the first place.

Aids Weight Loss

The Mediterranean Diet is not a fast way to lose weight, but it does help you to lose weight at a reasonable pace and keep it off. Since it focuses on healthy foods, it is a great way to lose weight safely. It does not include unhealthy sweets and processed foods, so it is a healthy diet to maintain for a lifetime. It is more of a lifestyle than a diet.

Prevents Heart Disease

The Mediterranean Diet has been found to be 30% more effective at preventing heart disease than a low-fat diet. Healthy fats, such as those in olive oil and nuts, are thought to be responsible for these results. In addition, fish is recommended on the diet, and fish is a heart-healthy food. The glass of red wine per day that the diet allows may also be good for your heart.

Reduces Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

The anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids in the Mediterranean Diet can reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune disease that attacks the body’s own joints. The inflammation causes pain in the affected joints. By reducing inflammation, the diet reduces pain in RA patients.

Decreases the Risk of Parkinson’s Disease

The Mediterranean Diet contains a large number of antioxidants. These reduce oxidative stress on the body and cut the risk of Parkinson’s disease in half.

Given all the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet, the diet is a good one to follow for a lifetime, not just temporarily to lose weight. Once you are used to it, it is a very easy diet to follow, and the benefits are definitely worth it.