A Mediterranean diet is a wholesome diet option that is mainly based on fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and fish. It is a very healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins that can come in the form of many delicious meals. This diet is beneficial to the elderly because it increases overall health and reduces the risk of many diseases. Examples of meals in a Mediterranean diet include Shakshuka: a delicious combination of simmered tomatoes and soft eggs, or various salads like chickpea and cucumber salads that use loads of lentils and vegetables.
Improves Quality of Sleep
A Mediterranean diet is high in fiber as it includes many fiber-rich food components such as legumes, lentils, and whole grains. Diets that are high in fiber have been shown to improve sleep quality and duration, especially in the elderly. Additionally, Mediterranean diets promote the consumption of fish which is high in omega-3 oils and fatty acids. Healthy omega-3 guards against symptoms of depression and prevents sleep loss. Delicious Mediterranean meals with fish include cooked salmon, tuna meatballs, and baked cod.
Reduces Risk of Stroke and Heart Disease
Mediterranean meals guard well against heart disease. Foods such as nuts, fish, and some wines that are rich in healthy fats are ideal for promoting cardiovascular health. In general, having a healthy diet is a preventive step you and your loved ones can take against any disease. According to an article published by the American Heart Association, a Mediterranean diet also helps reduce the risk of stroke among women, who are particularly susceptible. An easy way to start on a Mediterranean diet is to snack on nuts like cashews instead of processed foods and to replace saturated fats like butter with unsaturated fats like olive oil.
Helps with Inflammation and Arthritis
Fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats have natural components that reduce inflammation in the body. Our retirement community has a professionally staffed kitchen that prepares food with the freshest possible ingredients. This helps reduce arthritis symptoms and joint pain, which allows you or your loved one to remain agile in your movement. The intake of nutritious foods in a Mediterranean diet also prevents inflammation that could eventually lead to more serious diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Aids Weight Loss
Through the balanced consumption of vegetables, fruit, light meats, fish, and good fats in a Mediterranean diet, your body receives a healthy balance of nutrients. As processed food is limited in a Mediterranean diet, unhealthy and excessive consumption of sugar and fat is restricted. This contributes to weight loss while also improving cardiovascular health and regulating blood sugar.
Helps to Manage Diabetes
Sugar consumption is limited in a Mediterranean diet which encourages balanced consumption of many different components of the food pyramid instead. Thus, processed snacks, meals, and foods are highly discouraged. This diet reduces sugar intake and improves the intake of insulin in the body.
A Mediterranean diet is an essential step to a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. If you or your loved one are considering a community that offers well-balanced meals, check out our retirement community.
