Mediterranean diet linked to less brain shrinkage with age

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Mediterranean diet linked to less brain shrinkage with age

One more reason to follow a Mediterranean diet – it could prevent the brain from shrinking in old age thus helping to slow down or prevent cognitive decline.    A new study published in the journal Neurology suggests there is an association between consuming foods typically consumed within a Mediterranean dietary pattern and a reduced amount of brain shrinkage.  Several studies have already demonstrated that following a Mediterranean diet can result in having better thinking skills, a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.  

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Want healthy gut bacteria? Follow the Mediterranean diet

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Once again, the Mediterranean Diet continues to shine as an exceptionally healthy way of eating.  A recent 2015 study demonstrated a direct link between the type of food consumed in the Mediterranean Diet and the production of health-promoting short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in our intestinal tract.

When we eat insoluble fiber from plant based foods such as fruits, vegetables and legumes, it is fermented into SCFAs by bacteria living in the intestinal tract. These SCFAs are beneficial as they appear to help reduce heart disease, diabetes and inflammatory diseases. 

The study looked at 153 Italian adults who followed the Mediterranean Diet.  The Mediterranean Diet consists of large amounts of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grains, fish and low amounts of saturated fat, red meat and dairy foods.  The Italians following this way of eating had high levels of SCFAs and those who consumed the most plant based foods, basically vegetarians, had even higher levels of SCFAs than those who ate meat.  Meat eaters can benefit from SCFAs if they keep portion sizes small and consume more plant based foods.   A compound called trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) found in higher levels of individuals who eat beef, eggs, pork, and fish, is linked to heart disease.  The vegetarians and those who follow the Mediterranean Diet have lower levels of TMAO. 

The message learned here is to eat more plant-based foods having them fill up at least one-half of your dinner plate each day and keeping meat portions to a minimum.  Learn more about following the Mediterranean Diet way of eating and how it can boost your health and reduce disease.

 

How to eat a Mediterranean diet

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How to eat a Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet is a diet that is based on traditional foods people used to eat in Mediterranean countries like Italy and Greece. Researchers say that people on Mediterranean diet were much healthier compared to people who ate a western diet and had lower risk of many deadly diseases.

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Mediterranean Diet May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk

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Mediterranean Diet May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk

The Mediterranean Diet is a wonderful way to eat. It helps stave off chronic diseases, builds a healthy immune and keeps the weight off. But now a new study shows it may help reduce the risk of breast cancer. A new study out of Spain found that women asked to follow this way of eating especially with a high consumption of olive oil was integrated were 68% less likely to develop breast cancer than those who were advised only to reduce the amount of fat in their diets. 

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Mediterranean diet lowers heart disease risk

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Mediterranean diet lowers heart disease risk

A new study says the Mediterranean diet lowers your risk for heart disease. What is the Mediterranean diet? The Mediterranean diet is a diet that is based on traditional foods people having been eating for many years in Mediterranean countries like Greece and Italy. Researchers in the past have said that people who consume a Mediterranean diet are exceptionally healthy compared to those who do not. Specifically, people who eat a Mediterranean diet tend to have a lower risk for many deadly diseases. Numerous studies show the Mediterranean diet can help with weight loss, prevent heart attacks and strokes, prevent type 2 diabetes, and prevent premature death.

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Mediterranean Way of Eating May Prevent Kidney Disease

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Mediterranean Way of Eating May Prevent Kidney Disease

Individually, most of the elements of the Mediterranean diet are heart-healthy.  The diet as a whole has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality, the incidence of cancer mortality and may reduce the incidence of neurologic diseases like dementia and Parkinson’s. For this reason, the Mediterranean diet is championed by most, if not all major scientific institutions, not only as a diet, but a lifestyle change to prevent major life-shortening chronic diseases. But now new findings suggest it may benefit long-term kidney health. Researchers found that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, fish, legumes, healthy fats like olive oil which lowered patients' risk of chronic kidney disease. 

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Why You Should Eat More Olive Oil and Nuts

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Why You Should Eat More Olive Oil and Nuts

The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet have been cited over and over again.  Hailing from the traditional dietary patterns of residents along the Mediterranean coast, the main staples of the diet include nuts, whole grains, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, unrefined cereals, lots of legumes, just as much fish, some cheese and yogurt and occasional consumption of wine. The cornerstone of this diet is its limit in the consumption of red meat to only a few times a month. Scientists have recently found that those who follow a Mediterranean Diet without any calorie restrictions and chock full of delicious olive oil and nuts. Why? Read on. 

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More Olive Oil, Please!

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More Olive Oil, Please!

Olive Oil has many health benefits. Healthy fats, like the type found in olive oil, can help lower the both risk of heart disease and diabetes. Read on for more benefits. 

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Mediterranean Diet: Optimal For Healthy Eating

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Mediterranean Diet: Optimal For Healthy Eating

There has been a call to decrease the amount of meat we eat and increase our intake of plant-based foods. Discover the healthiest diet that you can do for the rest of your life. 

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Protecting your heart with the Mediterranean diet

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Protecting your heart with the Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet has long been celebrated as one of the healthiest diets in the world, but it’s not only a diet, it’s a lifestyle change that can actually add years to your life. Research continues to prove that a diet rich in plant foods and healthy fats protects against the development of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, types of cancers and Alzheimer’s disease. 

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