Saturday, November 6, 2010

HealthTip: Mediterranean Diet?

Lately the Mediterranean diet has been getting a lot of attention. Researchers aren't sure if the positive effects of this diet are due to the diet itself, or healthy behaviors that prevent weight gain with age. The Mediterranean diet is generally high in fish, fruit, vegetables, legumes (such as beans, peas, and lentils), grains, and includes fats such as olive oil. This diet is low in red meats and dairy. The researchers found that university graduates who followed this diet were least likely to gain added pounds with age. Participants who did not follow this eating pattern gained the most weight. The study suggested that healthy dietary patterns are a key factor to avoiding natural long-term yearly weight gain during adulthood.
Since this research was conducted in Spain, further research involving the North American population is needed. So far, many positive aspects to this diet have been revealed, however it's important to note that eliminating dairy can lead to insufficient calcium intake over time and an increased risk of osteoporosis. So don't forget your milk (and alternative fortified soy beverages)!
Information Source:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_105195.html

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