Over the years, much research has confirmed what Italians have always known: the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest cuisines in the world.
One of these searches was published on British medical journal Gut It is has highlighted its benefits.
The Mediterranean diet helps you age healthily
According to a group of scientists (including Italian researchers from the University of Bologna), following the Mediterranean diet for twelve months can improve brain function and promote longevity. The diet also helps older people to age healthily. The study analyzed 612 older adults (aged 65 to 79) from Europe (France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom). Of the subjects, 323 followed a special diet for a year, which required them to eat fruit, vegetables, nights, legumes, olive oil, fish and very moderate amounts of red meat, sugar and saturated fat.
“The findings support the feasibility of modulating gut microbiota by changing diets, which in turn has the potential to promote healthier aging.”, the study authors told CNN.
These results participate in a corpus in the study who identified the Mediterranean diet as a promoter of cardiac, metabolic, mental health and longevity.
What is the Mediterranean diet?
The Mediterranean diet is more than just a simple eating habit: it's a life style. His principles are based on the traditions of coastal Mediterranean countries, such as Italy. This diet is more plant-based than meat-based, encouraging a high consumption of vegetables, fruit, cereals integral, beans, nights, semi, healthy fats and olive oil. The Mediterranean diet encourages a weekly consumption of fish, White meat, beans It is egg, with less frequent consumption of dairy products. Red meats should be consumed in moderation. The Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, memory loss, dementia, depression and cancer, improving bone and heart health. It is also linked to weight loss.