Anti-Aging Diet: The Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

As you may have already guessed, the Mediterranean diet comes from countries like Italy and Greece. The ethnic foods from these countries are full of fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, whole grains, olive oil, and legumes as well as the benefits these foods have on your health. Meat, saturated fats, dairy, and alcohol are also included in this diet in small amounts. Your looks and health both benefit greatly due to the ability of the Mediterranean diet to inhibit the aging process.

Many studies and experts have examined the Mediterranean diet. They have discovered that it reduces the risk of devastating health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, glucose intolerance, clogged arteries, and high blood pressure as well as the diet's strong ability to decrease the signs of aging.

When you examine this diet, it really is no wonder why it benefits your health so significantly. Very few saturated fats such as butter and meat are included in the diet. These foods have been associated with high cholesterol levels and the appearance of some cancer cells. In contrast, this diet has the good fats, and as a result, there are health benefits to enjoy.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

The Mediterranean diet focuses on Omega-3 rich foods like fish that are well known for their age-fighting abilities as well as their ability to lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, and inflammation. Fruits, beans, and vegetables contain high amounts of phytochemicals that enhance blood vessels and cells from dangerous substances that often cause cancer. Salmon, rich in Omega 3s, are great for skin health according to anti aging expert Dr Perricone, in his book, the Wrinkle Cure.

Olive Oils

The Mediterranean diet is also beneficial due to the use of high amounts of olive oil. This might not sound good at first, but 75% of olive oil is fatty acids from monounsaturated fat and 13% originates from saturated fat. This lowers blood cholesterol levels, while generating less free radicals. Olive oil's ability to act as an anti-inflammatory improves your heart, protects your body from cancerous cells, and inhibits the aging process. An alternative is avocado which contains the same healthy oils.

Antioxidants

This diet also contains antioxidants from a variety of sources. This includes olives, fruits, vegetables and extra virgin olive oil. The olive oil in the Mediterranean diet also contains enzymes that protect and help in the removal of carcinogens from the body. They are an effective antioxidant to keep the body looking and feeling youthful because of their ability to eliminate free radicals in the body that have been deposited by toxins. These free radicals make you sick and appear older. When you reduce these free radicals, your cells in your body become healthier.

Seasonal Produce

Mediterranean cultures have the added benefit of having a variety of these fresh fruit and vegetables food items growing in the local area. Even if this diet does increase your grocery bills slightly, the additional cost is minimal and the effects on your health are worth it. In fact, by buying fresh ingredients, your grocery bill may even go down, as opposed to the cost fo eating out, and this helps your health as well as your pocket book. Freshness means more nutrients with the food you eat.

Mediterranean cultures have considerably lower rates of serious diseases such as heart disease, arthritis, stroke, and cancer. The people from this region also look considerably younger than other cultures in the world with their diet being rated one of the healthiest in the world. With all these important benefits, why wouldn't you try it.

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