The Benefits of Mediterranean Diet and DASH Diet
The diet culture will never fade away since people will always be on the lookout for new dietary regimes that would magically help them lose weight. Some diets that have become increasingly popular include the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet.
Both these diets focus on consuming whole grains, reduced salt, and sugar intake, along with an extensive focus on fruits and vegetables. Therefore, they both impart similar benefits that will be thoroughly discussed in this article.
Improvement of Cardiovascular Health
Both these diets focus on consuming healthy sources of rich omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Both these beneficial compounds play an instrumental role in promoting the production of HDL which is also known as good cholesterol, which combats the accumulation of LDL or poor cholesterol. LDL cholesterol usually accumulates in the blood vessels, leading to blood clotting and severe cardiovascular complications such as heart attack.
Hypertension Control
Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure. While the DASH diet has been specifically designed to control hypertension with its limited salt intake, the salt restriction in the Mediterranean diet also makes it an excellent choice for controlling your high blood pressure. Excessive salt consumption leads to water retention, and water retention results in high blood pressure.
Prevention of Premature Cognitive Decline
Cognitive decline is one of the major signs of aging. A healthy brain is imperative for a healthy life, but with age, people keep losing their memory. However, research shows that opting for a healthy diet through the DASH or Mediterranean dietary guidelines can surely help to prevent the premature onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Effective Weight Loss
Everyone wants to lose weight, and these diets are your one-way ticket to effective weight loss. Unlike FAD diets, these diets allow you to have a proper dietary intake that will keep you full with the help of a healthy protein, carb, and fat intake. Furthermore, the weight that is lost over time by consuming a healthy diet is more likely to give effective and long-lasting results.
Diabetes Prevention
For those of you who don’t know, there are two types of diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an inherent condition, and people suffering from it are born with it. They have an innate insulin impairment that leads to the accumulation of blood sugar, resulting in Type 1 diabetes.
However, Type 2 Diabetes is developed over time. It is developed by consuming a diet high in sugar and processed foods that contain a high concentration of refined carbs. Following the Mediterranean Diet or DASH diet keeps you safe from the excessive consumption of unhealthy foods, which also promotes diabetes prevention.
Final Word
You are what you eat, and your diet can greatly influence your overall health. The Mediterranean diet and DASH diet are based on consuming a healthy amount of beneficial proteins, fats, carbs, and the minimum intake of refined foods with high sugar or salt content.
The Benefits of Mediterranean Diet and DASH Diet
