If you’re into your dieting, then you may have come across or heard about the Mediterranean diet. It’s one of those diets that is raved about by those who embrace it and it is said to add years to your life if you’re committed to it.
But what is it made up of? How does it benefit your body? In this brief guide, we’ll look at the Mediterranean diet and why seafood plays a part in the longevity of your life.
What is a Mediterranean diet?
The Mediterranean diet is a style of eating that is based on taking foods from countries around the Mediterranean Sea – hence the name.
From Greece to Spain and Italy, these countries offer some delicious foods, all of which make up this diet. A lot of it is centered around plant foods but then also includes a lot of other produce such as seafood. Typical foods you’ll find in a Mediterranean diet include:
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Beans
- Nuts and seeds
- Fruits
- Healthy fats and oils
Moderate amounts of dairy and poultry are also an addition to this diet. Small amounts of red meat and sweet desserts can be included but are limited, along with processed meats and packaged foods.
What are the benefits of this diet?
The Mediterranean diet has many benefits, which is why so many choose to opt for this type of diet amongst others that are out there. If you can cope with fresh and unprocessed foods, then this is a great diet to go on. Research suggests that the benefits of this diet are great for those looking to lower their risk of diabetes, as well as high blood pressure and raised cholesterol.
It helps to manage your weight and more importantly, protects the heart. You’ll also find that by incorporating a diet such as this one, you’re using less in a way that doesn’t impact the environment as much as other diets would.
How seafood plays a role in a healthier body
Seafood plays a part in this diet, especially as your intake of it will be the highest in comparison to other meats and poultry.
With seafood, it’s a key component of the diet because it provides an excellent source of protein. Seafood is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and essential vitamins that your body needs in order to stay healthy.
The health benefits of seafood are helpful to know anyway, regardless of whether you choose this diet or not. The protein from seafood is helpful if you’re looking to replace less healthy protein foods like red meat or eggs. Omega-3 helps your body live longer and there are studies to show that this has some weight of proof to it.
If you’re looking to try a new diet for your health and wellness this year, then the secret to longevity comes from the Mediterranean diet. Be sure to try it if you haven’t already and hopefully you’ll see some noticeable results as you embrace this new diet in your life.