BENEFITS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET…

As the grey days of winter start to come to an end and the lighter days of spring approach, you may be ready to start making some healthy changes. The arrival of some sunshine and spring flowers can make all the difference to your mood, and you may be looking forward to a fresh start in the new season. Switching up your eating habits and trying some new recipes is an excellent way to feel refreshed and full of health, ready for spring. The Mediterranean diet is one way of eating that is especially popular through the spring and summer. The Mediterranean way of eating is believed to have many benefits, here are just some of the reasons the Mediterranean diet is such a popular choice:

Combines a Range of Healthy Food Choices

Many diets and eating plans focus on a particular ‘superfood.’ However, the Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that combines a range of healthy foods in one eating plan. Rather than fixating on one hero ingredient, the Mediterranean diet consists of a combination of nutritious ingredients, making it one of the healthiest ways to eat. The Mediterranean diet mainly consists of olive oil, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, fish, and legumes, which are all healthy ingredients in their own right, so when combined, they create a super healthy way of eating. The best thing about a Mediterranean diet is it tastes great, and as it incorporates a wide range of ingredients, you can adapt recipes and get creative, so there is no chance to get bored at mealtimes.

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Uses ‘Healthy’ Fats

Healthy fats are a crucial component of the Mediterranean way of eating, and olive oil is an ingredient that features heavily. Looking for high-quality olive oil for sale is an excellent way to get started with the Mediterranean diet, as you will need to use it throughout your recipes. Olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, is believed to hold several health benefits. Research shows olive oil can help to lower the risk of stroke and heart disease. Olive oil is also thought to help reduce inflammation in the body as it reduces inflammation markers. Research shows a reduction in the inflammation markers, C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 when 1mg – 50mg of olive oil is consumed each day.

Makes it Easy to Get Your Five-A-Day

Everyone knows eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day is crucial for a healthy diet. However, as life is so busy, many people struggle to fit in their daily recommended portions of fruit and vegetables. The good news is that following the Mediterranean diet makes it so much easier to eat more fruit and vegetables. The rainbow-coloured vegetables that are commonly seen in the Mediterranean diet help ensure you get a wide range of vitamins and nutrients in your diet while also having a plate of colourful food that tastes as good as it looks.

Don’t forget to consult your doctor before making changes to your diet.