The Mediterranean diet could prolong your life
By TC Newman, Buzz60
Changing what goes on your plate can do more than reduce your waistline -- it could prolong your life.
New research out of Italy is showing that adhering to the Mediterranean Diet has a direct effect on how long heart patients live. Almost 1,200 people, all heart attack survivors, had their health monitored over 7 years. The patients who followed the Mediterranean Diet on a medium or strict level reduced their rate of death by 37 percent.
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Statins are regularly prescribed as drugs to combat heart disease, but are only said to reduce major heart problems by 24 percent.
The Mediterranean Diet is low in saturated fat, but is high in monounsaturated fat, mainly from olive oil. The meal plans are based around legumes, whole grains, vegetables, and nuts. Fish is consumed in a moderate amount, while red meat is rarely ever on the menu.
Countries that border the Mediterranean have lower rates of heart disease and heart-related deaths than the United States.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, claiming the lives of about 1 in 4. Statistics like that make it worth giving up hamburgers and bacon.
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