Mediteranean diet The diet followed by the people around the Mediterranean Sea in the 1960’s and, in particular, the inhabitants of Crete and South Italy
Mediteranean diet…..
…Is a way of life
• Eat more fish, less meat • Eat more vegetables •Fewer dairy products
• Whole grains, no processed grains • You must have fruit every day • All butter and margarine to be replaced by olive oil.
Do you live following the Mediterranean diet?
Regular physical activity
Yes!!!!
NO
Do you usually go to the gym ?
Physical exercise
Vincent Van Gogh
It helps in the prevention of cardiovascular disease
It reduces the risk of death from coronary disease
Afternoon nap
Vincent Van Gogh
It reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular disease
Do you take the afternoon nap?
Do you like burger?
Fast food is a typical example of food consumed in a Western pattern
diet
The Western pattern diet, also called Western dietary pattern or the meat-sweet diet, is a dietary habit chosen by many people in developed countries It is characterized by high intakes of red meat, sugary desserts, high-fat foods, and refined grains It also typically contains high-fat dairy products, high-sugar drinks, eggs, and higher intakes of processed meat
Please Don’t Eat This
Or this
And definitely not this
but these
Why?
Foods that contribute to your health
Fruits and Vegetables Data from nationwide surveys indicate that 80% of Americans aren’t getting 5 servings of fruits & vegetables per day. The National Cancer Institute has determined that “5-a-day” will reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Broccoli
This green vegetable is a member of the cruciferous family. Members of this family containing organic compounds inhibit certain of the hepatic enzyme system (P450s) that can activate carcinogens in the body.
Citrus Fruits • Citrus fruits contain a variety of active compounds and many health effects. • Current research is aimed at elucidating those factors present in foods that are responsible for biologic effects. • Flavones and flavanones are cancer preventives found in citrus fruits.
Garlic Epidemiologic studies comparing patients with colon cancer to those who have not developed it indicate a protective role for garlic in cancer prevention. In China, where gastric cancer is more common, garlic consumption has been associated with reduced risk.
Garlic Garlic it is mildly active in lowering serum cholesterol levels
Do you eat at least 5 servings of fruits & vegetables per day?
Nutrients that contribute to your health
Fibers It binds cholesterol in the intestine and reduces it in the blood
It reduces inflammatory markers in the blood
To improve cardiovascular health follow a Mediterranean style diet 1) Eat more cold water fish, add onions, garlic, to your diet. 2) Eat whole grains whenever possible. Eat lots of green vegetables and fruit. 3) Change to low fat dairy products. Reduce your intake of fatty red meats.
SUMMARY
What is the Mediterranean Diet? Features abundance of: vegetables -legumes -breads and grains fruits -nuts, seeds cereals/pasta regular use of olive oil moderate amounts of fish, poultry small amounts of red meat moderate amounts of dairy (yogurt, cheese) moderate consumption of alcohol (wine at meals)
Other keys to Mediterranean eating Eating what is freshest and available locally Quality in food, not quantity Fresh and whole-not processed or refined Primarily plant based Relish experience of eating-savor every bite!
Also playing key role: Regular physical activity at level to promote healthy weight, fitness and well-being
Other keys to Mediterranean eating
Do you eat what is freshest and available locally? Do you look at the quality in food, not quantity?
Do you Relish experience of eating-savor every bite?
Why eat in the Mediterranean way? Heart disease substantially reduced Protection against cancer, arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease Slows the aging process
Promotes longevity
Embracing the Med. Lifestyle Eating should be pleasurable and fulfilling Regular exercise: 30 min/day on most days (4560 min for weight loss)
Less stress-strong social ties, close to nature
Conclusion As Hippocrates said: “Let food be your medicine!”