With Mediterranean diet, 60 can be the new 40
Kathy R. Byrnes
Cincinnati.com
Caregiving is associated with a lot of social, emotional, physical and financial responsibilities. As a result, caregivers often neglect their health in taking care of somebody else. Embracing a Mediterranean diet is just one approach to help you stay both physically and mentally strong.
The Mediterranean diet includes lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. In addition, it promotes healthy fats that can be found in fish, nuts, seeds and olive oil. Overall, the Mediterranean diet is low in refined sugar and saturated fat, which is associated with dairy and meat. In particular, the Mediterranean diet does not include a lot of red meat.
The Mediterranean diet includes foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are fats that your body needs to function. They are found primarily in fish, nuts and seeds. The following list includes recommended foods associated with the Mediterranean diet according to AgingCare.com (2016):
• Arugula Baba Ghanoush Couscous Falafel Feta Cheese
• Hummus Mousakka Paells Pesto Pita Bread
• Falafel Red Wine Salmon Spinach Tahini
• Whole Grains
In addition to function, Omega-3s also have also have major health benefits. The overall health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet include:
•Decreased frailty. Adults who eat healthier are better able to control join stiffness associated with arthritis, walk better/faster, enhance muscle strength, experience less exhaustion and decrease the risk of failing.
•Reduced risk for developing chronic illnesses. Healthy eating is connected to reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, oral health issues, cancer, arthritis, Mediterranean diet to helping people manage asthma and chronic eye disorders such as macular degeneration, and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Some studies have connected the Mediterranean diet to helping people manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
•Brain protection. Researchers believe that a healthy diet and lifestyle can improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels and overall blood vessel health, which may in turn reduce the risk of brain disorders including Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease. Additional research suggests that a Mediterranean diet may help prevent brain tissue loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Source: www.cincinnati.com