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May 30, 2012 | Mediterranean diet benefits mental and physical health |
Washington: For years, the Mediterranean
diet has been tied to lesser chances of illness and increased well-being. But
now, a new study has linked it to mental and physical health as well. The Mediterranean
diet, which is characterised by the consumption of fruit, vegetables, pulses,
fish, olive oil and nuts, has been proven to be beneficial to the health in terms
of a lesser chance of chronic illness and a lower mortality rate. A new study
headed by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the University of Navarra
took the next step and analysed the influence of the Mediterranean diet on the
quality of life of a sample of more than 11,000 university students over a period
of four years. “The progressive aging of the population in developed countries
makes it even more interesting to find out those factors that can increase quality
of life and the health of the population,” as explained to SINC by Patricia Henríquez
Sanchez, researcher at the centre in the Canary Islands and lead author of the
study. Dietary intake data was taken at the beginning of the study and self-perceived
quality of life was measured after the four-year monitoring period. In order to
ascertain whether the Mediterranean diet was followed, consumption of vegetables,
pulses, fruit, nuts, cereals and fish was positively valued whereas consumption
of meat, diary products and alcohol was negatively valued. The results reveal
that those who stick more to the Mediterranean diet score higher on the quality
of life questionnaire in terms of physical and mental well-being. This link is
even stronger in terms of physical quality of life. “The Mediterranean diet is
an important factor associated with better quality of life and can be considered
as a healthy food model,” Henríquez stated. Its food pyramid combines food to
be eaten daily, weekly and occasionally. Main meals should never lack three basic
elements: cereals, fruit and vegetables and dairy products. Furthermore, it must
include a daily intake of 1.5 and 2 litres of water. Olive oil constitutes the
main source of fat for its nutritional quality and moderate consumption of wine
and other fermented beverages is recommended. Furthermore, fish, lean meat and
eggs are sources of high quality animal protein. Fish and seafood are also sources
of healthy fats. At the top of the pyramid are sugar, sweets, cakes, pastries
and sweetened beverages that should be consumed occasionally and in small amounts. The study has been published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. |
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