{"id":549,"date":"2023-09-29T12:52:37","date_gmt":"2023-09-29T12:52:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/?p=549"},"modified":"2024-10-22T08:13:27","modified_gmt":"2024-10-22T08:13:27","slug":"5-benefits-of-the-mediterranean-diet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/5-benefits-of-the-mediterranean-diet\/","title":{"rendered":"5 benefits of the Mediterranean diet"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <strong>benefits of the Mediterranean diet<\/strong> on physical and mental health are more than proven. Not surprisingly, our wonderful and delicious diet was inscribed in 2013 on the Representative List of the <a href=\"https:\/\/ich.unesco.org\/en\/RL\/mediterranean-diet-00884?RL=00884\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>At <a href=\"http:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/\">Saz\u00f3n<\/a> we are fully aware of <strong>the importance of our diet, our dishes, our products, our <a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/15-must-do-activities-for-a-full-day-in-granada-the-ultimate-guide\/\">culinary<\/a> tradition<\/strong>. That&#8217;s why <strong>we love everything our diner hosts prepare<\/strong>, always faithful to the recipes of their families, and passionate about authentic Mediterranean cuisine.<\/p>\n<p>If you still haven&#8217;t had the occasion to <strong>try authentic <a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/curious-facts-about-spanish-cuisine\/\">Spanish cuisine<\/a><\/strong>, both tasty and healthy, we encourage you to <strong>do so at the hands of the local Saz\u00f3n chefs<\/strong>. Once you do it, <strong>you&#8217;ll be captivated forever<\/strong> by its flavours and variety. Are you up for it? And if you&#8217;re still not convinced, keep reading, because here are some of the multiple benefits of the Mediterranean diet.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_552\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-552\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-552\" src=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1-Aceite-de-oliva.jpg\" alt=\"Olive oil is the Mediterranean gold\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1-Aceite-de-oliva.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1-Aceite-de-oliva-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1-Aceite-de-oliva-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1-Aceite-de-oliva-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-552\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/the-culinary-treasures-of-spain\/\">Olive oil<\/a> is the Mediterranean gold<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Main benefits of the Mediterranean Diet<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Improves our health<\/h3>\n<p>One of the most remarkable benefits of the Mediterranean diet is how <strong>good for health<\/strong> it is. Especially when it comes to heart diseases. Thus, by eating this diet on a regular basis, <strong>the risk of vascular disease is significantly reduced<\/strong>, as it promotes healthy cholesterol levels, and therefore lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The heart-healthy fats included from sources like olive oil and nuts are great <strong>controllers of bad cholesterol levels<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, the Mediterranean diet also <strong>helps regulate blood sugar levels<\/strong>. And it is perfect for maintaining strong bones thanks to its calcium and vitamin D rich foods. Not to mention its <strong>anti-inflammatory properties<\/strong>, which can benefit overall health.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_553\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-553\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-553 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/2-Francisco-arroz.jpg\" alt=\"Francisco's tasty rice, benefits of the Mediterranean diet\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/2-Francisco-arroz.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/2-Francisco-arroz-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/2-Francisco-arroz-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/2-Francisco-arroz-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-553\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Give yourself a treat with Francisco&#8217;s tasty rice<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>2. Helps our brain<\/h3>\n<p>Some other benefits of the Mediterranean diet are related to our <strong>mental health<\/strong>. Eating varied and healthy foods <strong>may protect against cognitive decline<\/strong> and lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer&#8217;s. Also, the diet&#8217;s focus on whole foods and omega-3 fatty acids are said to<strong> improve mood and reduce the risk of depression<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Certainly, whoever tries <a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/en\/experiences\/francisco\/mediterranean-flavors-and-spanish-guitar-experience-near-barcelonas-cathedral-of-the-sea\">Francisco\u2019s<\/a> <strong>tasty Mediterranean menu<\/strong> gets in a very good mood! Tasting his mellow sea and mountain rice <strong>while listening to the delightful melody of his <a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/seafood-vs-traditional-valencian-paella-differences-and-best-local-places-to-eat\/\">Spanish<\/a> guitar<\/strong> will be a real treat for both your palate and your brain.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Weight Management<\/h3>\n<p>Of course, weight control depends on many factors and not only on diet. However, those who choose a healthy lifestyle and try to follow <strong>a varied and balanced diet<\/strong>, such as the Mediterranean one, <strong>can lose weight and feel much better.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is mainly due to its emphasis on whole, unprocessed foods and portion control. In addition, fibre-rich foods such as fruit, vegetables and whole grains support a <strong>healthy digestive system<\/strong>, which is also essential for weight control.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_554\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-554\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-554\" src=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4-Salmorejo-mariana-opcA.jpg\" alt=\"Nothing healthier and more full of flavour than Mariana's salmorejo\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4-Salmorejo-mariana-opcA.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4-Salmorejo-mariana-opcA-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4-Salmorejo-mariana-opcA-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4-Salmorejo-mariana-opcA-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-554\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Nothing healthier and more full of flavour than Mariana &amp; Miguel&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/the-best-spanish-soups-for-summer-recommended-by-locals\/\">salmorejo<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>4. Makes you live longer<\/h3>\n<p><strong>And better.<\/strong> It goes without saying that if one of the benefits of the Mediterranean diet is health improvement, the following advantage will be related to quality of life. In this way, following a Mediterranean diet is linked to <strong>greater longevity and a lower risk of chronic diseases<\/strong>. Besides, as it is very<strong> rich in antioxidants<\/strong>, this diet helps to combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. What is more, these antioxidants and the healthy fats that it contains can contribute to clear, youthful skin.<\/p>\n<p>By the way, who wouldn\u2019t live longer with the delicious and mouthwatering dishes that <a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/en\/experiences\/mariana\/authentic-paella-and-sangria-in-a-traditional-stone-house-in-castellon\">Mariana and Miguel<\/a> cook at home? Her <strong>irresistible salmorejo<\/strong> is just amazing, and their rice contains all the ingredients to cheer up your life!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_555\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-555\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-555 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5-Ajoblanco-nacho.jpg\" alt=\"Ajoblanco\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5-Ajoblanco-nacho.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5-Ajoblanco-nacho-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5-Ajoblanco-nacho-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5-Ajoblanco-nacho-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-555\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Simple but tasty dishes like Nachos&#8217;s delicious ajoblanco<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>5. It tastes like heaven<\/h3>\n<p>Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of the Mediterranean diet is how <strong>delicious and diverse<\/strong> it is, making it easier for people to stick with it long term. Of course, it has <strong>nothing to do with other diets<\/strong> that are nothing but restrictive. It is not for nothing that <a href=\"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/best-diet\/mediterranean-diet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USNews &amp; World Report<\/a> ranks it as <strong>the best diet in the world<\/strong>. Indeed, if you try <a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/en\/experiences\/nacho\/gourmet-rooftop-dining-in-malagas-historic-center-the-best-tapas-menu\">Nacho\u2019s<\/a> exquisite <a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/the-best-spanish-soups-for-summer-recommended-by-locals\/\">ajo blanco<\/a> or his flavourful <a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/discover-the-experience-of-tapas-in-spain-an-unforgettable-gastronomic-adventure\/\">tapas<\/a> you couldn\u2019t agree more!<\/p>\n<p>And this is just the beginning, because the Mediterranean diet has many more positive things to offer. As <a href=\"https:\/\/ich.unesco.org\/en\/RL\/mediterranean-diet-00884\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Unesco<\/a> says <em>\u201cThe Mediterranean diet involves a set of skills, knowledge, rituals, symbols and traditions concerning crops, harvesting, fishing, animal husbandry, conservation, processing, cooking, and particularly the sharing and consumption of food.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Would you like to discover it? <a href=\"http:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/\">Join Saz\u00f3n The Folk Cook now!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The benefits of the Mediterranean diet on physical and mental health are more than proven. Not surprisingly, our wonderful and delicious diet was inscribed in 2013 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. At Saz\u00f3n we are fully aware of the importance of our diet, our dishes, our products, our culinary [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":551,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-549","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-food-experience"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/549","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=549"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/549\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1517,"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/549\/revisions\/1517"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/551"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=549"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=549"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=549"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}