
Mediterranean Diet Advantages
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There are many advantages to the Mediterranean diet:
- High in fresh vegetables and fruit, to the recommended levels
- Very high in fibre, which prevents certain disorders of the gastrointestinal system
- Low in saturated fat
- Red wine is included in the Mediterranean diet in moderation
- Includes all the essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) required for good heart health
- Proven to be beneficial for heart health, with the high levels of vegetables, grains, fish and low in saturated fat
- Lowers risk of certain gastrointestinal cancers
- Studies show that a pregnant woman on a Mediterranean diet may prevent future allergies in her children
- Daily exercise recommended is another health advantage of the Mediterranean diet
Studies show that a pregnant woman following a Mediterranean diet may prevent future allergies in her children
References
- de Lorgeril M, Salen P, Martin JL, Monjaud I, Delaye J, Mamelle N. Mediterranean diet, traditional risk factors, and the rate of cardiovascular complications after myocardial infarction: final report of the Lyon Diet Heart Study. Circulation. 1999 Feb 16;99(6):779-85.
- Kris-Etherton P, Eckel R H, Howard BV, St. Jeor S, Bazzarre T L, for the Nutrition Committee Population Science Committee and Clinical Science Committee of the American Heart Association. Lyon Diet Heart Study. Benefits of a Mediterranean-Style, National Cholesterol Education Program/American Heart Association Step I Dietary Pattern on Cardiovascular Disease. Circulation. 2001; 103: 1823-1825