Health benefits of Mediterranean diet

Researchers have offered a long-sought explanation for the beneficial fat-fighting effects of black pepper. For years, the Mediterranean diet has been tied to lesser chances of illness and increased well-being. But now, a new study has linked it to mental and physical health as well. The Mediterranean diet, which is characterized by the consumption of fruit, vegetables, pulses, fish, olive oil and nuts, has been proven to be beneficial to health in terms of a lesser chance of chronic illness and a lower mortality rate. A new study headed by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the University of Navarra took the next step and analyzed the influence of the Mediterranean diet on the quality of life of a sample of more than 11,000 university students over a period of four years. "The progressive aging of the population in developed countries makes it even more interesting to find out those factors that can increase quality of life and the health of the population," as explained to SINC by Patricia Henriquez Sanchez, researcher at the center in the Canary Islands and lead author of the study. Dietary intake data was taken at the beginning of the study and self-perceived quality of life was measured after the four-year monitoring period. In order to ascertain whether the Mediterranean diet was followed, consumption of vegetables, pulses, fruit, nuts, cereals and fish was positively valued whereas consumption of meat, diary products and alcohol was negatively valued. The results reveal that those who stick more to the Mediterranean diet score higher on the quality of life questionnaire in terms of physical and mental well-being. This link is even stronger in terms of physical quality of life. "The Mediterranean diet is an important factor associated with better quality of life and can be considered a healthy food model," Henriquez stated. Its food pyramid combines food to be eaten daily, weekly and occasionally. Main meals should never lack three basic elements: cereals, fruit and vegetables and dairy products. Furthermore, it must include a daily intake of 1.5 and 2 litres of water. Olive oil constitutes the main source of fat for its nutritional quality. Moderate consumption of wine and other fermented beverages is recommended. Furthermore, fish, lean meat and eggs are sources of high quality animal protein. Fish and seafood are also sources of healthy fats. At the top of the pyramid are sugar, sweets, cakes, pastries and sweetened beverages that should be consumed occasionally and in small amounts.