What’s the Mediterranean diet named the healthiest way to eat in 2023?
The Mediterranean diet has been named the healthiest type of diet to follow by a panel of experts, according to a United States News and World Report. The plan that has dominated the charts for six years is said to balance good nutrition, is easy to follow and has a colourful palette.
The Mediterranean diet focuses more on consuming fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fish, whole grains and beans. It is based on the traditional food pattern that is followed by at least 21 countries, including Greece, Italy, Croatia, Lebanon, Turkey and Monaco.
The origins of the diet are linked to the eating patterns of the Middle Ages, in which ancient Roman tradition – on the model of the Greek model – “identified bread, wine, and oil products as a symbol of rural culture and agriculture, supplemented by sheep cheese, vegetables (leeks, lettuce and others), little meat and a strong preference for fish and seafood.”
The diet focuses on filling the plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes, olive oil, herbs and spices daily. Seafood and fish should be eaten at least twice a week while poultry, eggs, cheese, and yoghurt should be consumed in moderation. Red meat and sweets are seen as occasional treats, while an occasional glass of wine is acceptable.
The Mediterranean diet focuses on an individual’s eating patterns and thus can be customised based on one’s medical history. It encourages healthy unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, thus promoting healthy cholesterol levels leading to a healthy heart, Bhatia Hospital Mumbai’s dietician Zoya Surve told Indian Express.
This diet helps in losing weight, reducing the risk of cancer or heart disease and promotes a higher quality of life. The benefits of this diet continue to remain as it can be easily adapted by any region and food culture.