Mediterranean Diet Has Longevity Benefits For the Elderly

September 9, 2018 Tim Diet & Nutrition Comments Off on Mediterranean Diet Has Longevity Benefits For the Elderly
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A new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition recently shows that the Mediterranean Diet can improve longevity and health even when adopted late in life.[1]

The Mediterranean diet is a diet inspired by the eating habits of people living in the Mediterranean - which includes Greece, Southern Italy, and Spain The principal aspects of this diet include high consumption of olive oil, legumes, unrefined cereals, fruits, and vegetables, high consumption of fish, moderate consumption of dairy (mostly as cheese and yogurt), moderate wine consumption, and low consumption of non-fish meat products, such as beef.

The Mediterranean Diet is a diet inspired by the eating habits of people living in the Mediterranean – which includes Greece, Southern Italy, and Spain.

The principal aspects of this diet include high consumption of olive oil, legumes, unrefined cereals, fruits, and vegetables, high consumption of fish, moderate consumption of dairy (mostly as cheese and yogurt), moderate wine consumption, and low consumption of non-fish meat products, such as beef.

The study shows that:

“… closer adherence to the Mediterranean Diet was associated with prolonged survival in elderly individuals, suggesting the appropriateness for older persons to adopt/preserve the Mediterranean Diet to maximize their prospects for survival.”

This study was a meta-analysis – which is a statistical analysis that combines the results of multiple scientific studies.

It was based on over 5,000 individuals who were age 65 or older.

Those adhering to the Mediterranean Diet were shown to have a 5% lower risk of death over an 8 year period.

The study also appears to show that better adherence to the diet related to better results.

The bottom line? It’s never too late to start eating healthy – and it’s something you need to stick with over the long term to see the maximum benefit.

References

1. Mediterranean diet and mortality in the elderly: a prospective cohort study and a meta-analysis.
Bonaccio M, Di Castelnuovo A, Costanzo S, Gialluisi A, Persichillo M, Cerletti C, Donati MB, de Gaetano G, Iacoviello L.

Mediterranean Diet comes from the towns of Southern Italy, Greece, and elsewhere. It is a moderate to high fish diet, amongst other things.

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Is the Mediterranean Diet Good for Longevity?

September 29, 2018 Tim Diet & Nutrition Comments Off on Is the Mediterranean Diet Good for Longevity?
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If you are searching for a nutrient-dense diet that may make you feel invigorated and help you live a long, healthy life, consider the Mediterranean Diet. Studies show compelling evidence that this diet can increase lifespan. But first, let’s review what the Mediterranean Diet is. What is the Mediterranean Diet? Many people have heard of the Mediterranean Diet. Like its name suggests, the premise bases meals on the types of foods traditionally found and eaten in sixteen Mediterranean countries. Picture the growing climate of areas like Spain, Greece and Italy, and you will have a general idea of what may comprise typical diets. The Mediterranean region features rich in plants and olive oil. Carbohydrate sources are whole grains, fruits and [Read more …]