02/18/2020
https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/17/health/mediterranean-diet-microbiome-wellness/index.html
The Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest ways you can eat but is so much more than just food. It is a lifestyle that pertains to dietary patterns and age-old customs that have existed in the Mediterranean region for thousands of years.
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, low in saturated fats, and full of polyphenols, the Mediterranean diet consists of whole foods such as whole grains, fresh fruit & vegetables, wild caught fish, nuts, pure oils, meat in moderation, as well as some dairy, mostly from goats. Refined and processed foods are absent, wine consumption is 1-2 SMALL glasses daily with moderate coffee intake.
Those who live in the Mediterranean region benefit from lower rates of heart disease, cancer and diabetes than the U.S and countries that share our similar frantic pace and addiction to processed and refined foods.
If you want to take this way of living a step further, look into
The Blue Zones. People who live in the Blue Zones (five regions in Europe, Asia, Latin America and even the U.S.) have been identified as having the highest concentrations of centenarians in the world. Aside from consuming a diet free of processed and refined foods, great value is placed on relationships, pleasure and leisure. Physical activity occurs organically as individuals move naturally gardening, baking, walking, socializing and napping daily. Life is not hurried or frantic, rather enjoyed and savored as a group, or "tribe" where the elderly feel a sense of purpose and are celebrated for their wisdom and contribution.
Check out:
https://www.bluezones.com/dan-buettner/
Yet another scientific prize for the Mediterreanan diet: It improves gut bacteria associated with frality, memory and other signs of aging.
