AskBenefits
- Reduces risk of Heart Disease
- Full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
- Lowers your blood pressure and “bad” cholesterol levels
- Helps maintain a healthy weight
- Reduces risk of many cancers
- Protects from developing type 2 diabetes
- Has anti-inflammatory properties and defends you from chronic diseases
There has been some research to show the Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of heart disease. It is also believed to reduce the risk of overall and cardiovascular mortality, incidence of cancer and cancer mortality, and a reduce incidence of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. The Mediterranean diet has been associated with a lower level LDL cholesterol — the "bad" cholesterol that's more likely to cause plaque build up in your arteries. This is possibly because of the reduced amounts of ‘bad’ saturated and transfats that are found in foods like butter, red meat, fast food and processed foods while stil consuming moderate amounts of ‘good’ monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats such that are found in nuts, olive and canola oils, avocados, and fish.
Fish is an important part of the Mediterranean diet and includes mackerel, trout, sardines, tuna and salmon. These are the best sources of the healthy fats,Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s can lower triglycerides, decrease blood clotting, are associated with decreased sudden heart attack, improve the health of your blood vessels, and help moderate blood pressure. This can reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.
