New Study Finds Mediterranean Diet and Physical Activity Can Reverse Aging-Related Changes
A groundbreaking study conducted by PREDIMED-Plus has found that adopting a Mediterranean diet and incorporating physical activity into daily routines can combat the effects of aging on the body. Published in JAMA Network Open, the study aimed to determine whether this diet could prevent cardiovascular disease, while also evaluating its impact on body composition.
Participants in the study who followed an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet and increased their physical activity experienced significant improvements in their body composition. After just one year of adhering to the diet, they saw a remarkable 5% or greater reduction in fat mass, visceral fat mass, and loss of lean muscle mass.
Renowned nutritionist and dietitian Ilana Muhlstein emphasized that the Mediterranean diet is not solely about consuming whole foods but also involves a strong focus on vegetables and fresh herbs. Countries such as Israel and Greece, which boast excellent cardiovascular health, feature an abundance of vegetables in every meal. Muhlstein highlights the tendency of Americans to overlook the importance of vegetables in the Mediterranean diet, instead opting for high-calorie Mediterranean foods like pita, shawarma, and falafel.
To address this, Muhlstein recommends limiting pita bread consumption and incorporating more Mediterranean diet staples such as roasted eggplants, pickled turnips, and chopped salads. Additionally, she encourages Americans to aim for approximately 45 minutes of exercise six days a week to align with the naturally active lifestyles of residents in Mediterranean regions.
The study also revealed that participants who received regular contact with trained dietitians showed improved relationships with food and eating behaviors. Muhlstein stressed the significance of improving the American mindset about food, which currently relies heavily on seeking comfort in carbohydrates and sugar, rather than prioritizing vegetables except when dieting.
These findings underscore the vast potential of the Mediterranean diet, combined with physical activity, to combat the detrimental effects of aging on the body. As experts continue to uncover the numerous health benefits associated with this dietary approach, it is clear that embracing the Mediterranean way of eating can provide long-lasting benefits for overall well-being.
For more information on the study and adopting a Mediterranean lifestyle, visit ‘The Bib Theorists’ website.
