Benefits of  Mediterranean Diet


PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS

Mediterranean Diet has reports associating with: 

  • Aids Positive Mental Health
  • Reduces Inflammation in the Brain
  • Lowers Risk for Depression
  • Improves Hormone Balance
  • Enhance Cognitive Functioning 

Physical BENEFITS

Multiple research reports high association between Mediterranean Diet and: 

  • Prevent heart diseases and strokes
  • Reduce risk of Alzheimer’s
  • Decrease chances of Parkinson’s Disease
  • Prevent Type 2 Diabetes, Stabilize Blood Sugar
  • Boosts Brain Health
  • Decrease Mortality Rates

 

 

 

 


Research On Mediterranean Diet:

University of Florence Study

Met-analysis research was conducted by healthcare professionals: Sofi, Cesari, Abbate, Gensini, &Casini (2014) analyzed the relations between the Mediterranean Diet and its influence on mortality rates and chronic diseases prevention. The study was conducted and analyzed on eight different cohorts with over 514,816 subjects and 33,576 deaths. The study reported a high correlation between reduced mortality rates incorporating cardiovascular mortality, cancer mortality, and incidences of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease (p. 6).    

Results from the study suggests Mediterranean diet for primary prevention for major chronic diseases.

PREDIMED- REUS Nutrition Study

The psychosocial research conducted by Salas-Salvado, et al. (2010) studied the effects of the Mediterranean Diet on incidences of diabetes in patients. The randomized trial had over 400 subjects between the ages of 55-80 who suffered high cardiovascular risks. The follow up study reported a reduction of 52% of cardiovascular risks in subjects (p. 16).

The results of the study reported diabetes risk reductions (p.14).

 

Randomized Control Study

The randomized controlled trial study conducted by Radd- Vagenas, Duffy, Naismith, Brew, Flood, & Singh (2018) observed the relations between the Mediterranean Diet and cognitive weaknesses caused by dementia. The analyses included 5 different studies with 1888 participants. The study reported over 78% in reduction of risk of low plasma brain derived neurotrophic factors (p. 389).

Naples South Italy Study

 

The study conducted by Onofrio, Galle, Belfiore, Dio, & Liguori (2018) analyzed the relations between Mediterranean diet and Type 2 diabetes. The study aimed to understand the effectiveness of nutritional benefits exhibited through the Mediterranean diet intervention. The study was conducted for a nine-month period with 213 participants. Participants were recommended fruits for snack and reduction in sweeteners (p. 3).  

 

Results reported significant improvements in blood pressure, BMI, waist circumference, and glycemic values. Glycemic values affect blood glucose levels which plays a key factor in patients suffering from diabetes.



Psychological  Benefits Research:

Physical inactivity and an unbalanced diet has shown connections to minor cases of brain tissue inflammation. The nutritional benefits and healthy food choices from the Mediterranean Diet has shown relations to reduce brain tissue damage which often leads to cognitive decline. Brian tissue inflammation can often lead to cognitive decline which affects a person’s thought processes, behavior, emotion, language, and judgement. According to various studies, Mediterranean diet suggest an increase in cognitive skills in patients who suffer cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease (Radd-Vagenas et al., 2018, p 389). Some research reports high correlation between improved psychological benefits patients often report due to the Mediterranean diet such as reduce stress levels, clear mind, and positive thinking (Salas-Salvado, et. al, 2010, p. 16).

Physical Benefits Research:

Person’s diet plays a key role in their overall health. Studies on the Mediterranean diet reports a plethora of benefits on the overall health. Mediterranean diet has a high correlation in lowering chances of cardiovascular diseases and diabetic risks (Salas-Salvado, 2010, p. 14). Mediterranean diet has been associated with significant improvement in health status and overall reduction in mortality from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s diseases (Sofi, Macchi, Abbate, Gensini & Casini, 2014, p1).