0
0
Normally when adopting a diet, the minimum time is established for achieving desired results. In the case of the Mediterranean diet, it is not necessary to set this time because this diet requires a change in lifestyle and in the food that is consumed every day.
This new lifestyle can be kept for as long as one wishes. The foods that this diet requires are responsible for providing antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. All these elements work in cohesion together to protect the person from all kinds of chronic disease and illness.
Diet Basis
The basis of the Mediterranean diet is quite simple: the replacement of butter by olive oil and daily meals enriched with fruit and vegetables.
Like all diets, the Mediterranean diet also requires daily exercise. Walking and running can be examples of exercises that can be done every day, everywhere, and without difficulty
Why is the use of olive oil the diet basis? The answer is contained in the following points:
Cholesterol Reduction
The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition [1] has published findings that indicate the introduction of olive oil into our regular diet has demonstrated a reduction in LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). This is significant because once LDL cholesterol has oxidized it often results in artery rigidity and accompanying heart disease.
Cancer Prevention
In an NCBI study [2] it is shown that there is an indication that the health benefits of olive oil may also be useful in the prevention or slowing of cancer cells. In the study, lab rats were introduced to a carcinogen that resulted in cancerous tumors.
Researchers at Oxford University in England [3] have seen indications that olive oil may be as good for our digestive system as fresh fruit and vegetables in preventing or reducing the incidence of colon cancer. While red meat seems to be linked to the development of colon cancer, fish and olive oil seemed to reduce the incidence of colon cancer. The reasons behind this phenomenon are still being considered, but it is believed that olive oil may help regulate the bile acid in the stomach while increasing useful enzymes within the stomach that contribute to optimal colon health.
Increase Heart Health
NCBI researchers [4] have also noted that the consumption of olive oil has clear heart health benefits.
Lower Blood Pressure
In a recent study Ginny Robards [5], showed that by substituting virgin olive oil for other fats within your diet, a substantial reduction in drug dosage requirements for the management of high blood pressure can be observed.
