Benefits of the Mediterranean diet, staple of Turkish food

The Turks, at least those who live in the west of the country and more coasts, mostly eat a plant-heavy and seasonal diet, with many of the most popular dishes in the diet with vegetables and even vegan. In addition, it is the norm in Turkey to prepare dishes from whole foods, unprocessed and healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts along with bacteria-fighting yogurt, pickled ferment, whole fish omega, range eggs and meat. This means that in Turkey, the cases offer the best health benefits, a fact that has not been realized by the medical industry all over the world.

Olives are an essential part of breakfast, lunch and even dinner tables in Mediterranean countries.  (Shutterstock photo)

Olives are an essential part of breakfast, lunch and even dinner tables in the Mediterranean countries. (Photo Shutterstock)

There has never been a time to get our best health. With pandemics raising its ugly head, the best thing we can do for ourselves and our loved ones is to make sure we are as healthy as possible both physically and mentally. Fortunately, for many of us reading this, we are in Turkey, a country whose food is the prime example of the Mediterranean diet, which is based on greens, vegetables and nutrients, olives and nuts and protein sources kinder and healthier and discourages sugar. , processed foods and red meat. This means that at least one of the most recommended diet styles is to keep our minds, bodies and souls in optimal shape.

The Mediterranean diet continues to stand the test of time and is considered to be one of the best plans for weight loss, with recent studies showing that it was just knocked out by a vegan version of the same practices. For decades, this style of diet has been linked to everything from protecting against diabetes and Parkinson’s Disease to reducing metabolic disorders and the risk of cancer and its progression to lowering blood pressure as well as preventing heart disease and strokes. But in addition to weight loss and all the physical benefits that the diet offers, recent studies also reveal a number of ways in which this diet is also a major benefit to mental health. Not only is the diet proven to be the best way to eat to combat depression, but several studies also point to the benefits of eating food this way for people of the golden age. in particular. While additional physical gain indicates that the diet slows down bone loss, studies that have emerged as far back as last month have found that the diet is very beneficial for mental function. for them in their golden years.

Here are some of the studies:

Sharper in their minds in the golden years

A new study in Scotland has shown that adhering to a Mediterranean diet is linked to better memory and overall mental function in diabetics and the elderly. Published in December last year and led by scientists at the University of Edinburgh, the study was conducted by a group of more than 500 79-year-olds questioning their eating habits and recalling, vocabulary and problem-solving challenges. Participants were selected as individuals in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 and were all born that year and have been helping researchers study how age affects activity mental.

The findings, published in the journal Experimental Gerontology, showed a statistical association between the highest scores and adherence to a Mediterranean diet. The greatest signs of mental acuity, however, were seen among those who ate more leafy greens and less meat. Similarly, it has also been found that a greener and vegan version of the diet provides the most important weight loss benefits in general.

Nuts contain vitamin E and healthy fats, which help boost mental performance.  (Photo Shutterstock)

Nuts contain vitamin E and healthy fats, which help boost mental performance. (Shutterstock photo)

This study followed research released just last month that also linked the Mediterranean diet with improved mental function. Carried out at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, the study studied more than 5,000 seniors over three years and found that those who followed the Mediterranean diet had nearly six brains. years younger compared to their peers who introduced a junk food snack, thus incorporating foods from the typical western diet such as pizza, candy and processed meats.

A report published in Gut magazine last year showed that older people who followed the diet for a year, including memory, had slower mental loss compared to those who adhered to their eating habits. their usual. The survey was conducted on more than 600 people aged 65 to 79 from five European countries. The results showed an increase in beneficial gut microbiota and a decrease in inflammatory symptoms, both of which are associated with the elimination of sensitivity and memory loss among those who followed the Mediterranean diet regime.

Several studies have also been conducted on the effects of inflammation that the Mediterranean diet has determined significantly reduces neuroinflammation symptoms, which may not only have a positive effect on the development of neurodegenerative diseases but also reduce depression in whether there is evidence that inflammation may play a role. . As we all know, the diet is high in omega-3 anti-inflammatory fatty acids such as fish, nuts, seeds and olive oil.

Good for your stomach, good for your soul

Drinking extra virgin olive oil has been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease.  (Shutterstock photo)

Drinking extra virgin olive oil has been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease. (Shutterstock photo)

One of the most important decisions regarding the Mediterranean diet and especially in those difficult times to deal with a global pandemic is that this eating style can make your spirits build as well as suppress your mood. A 2019 study of college students in Sydney Australia found that symptoms of depression among test subjects improved after a conscious change to a Mediterranean diet. The study’s conclusion suggests that even a short-term diet intervention (by adopting a Mediterranean diet for a spell) could be of great benefit to those suffering from depression. Meanwhile, research published at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the American Psychological Association showed that adhering to a Mediterranean diet may also protect against depressive symptoms later in life.

The danger of being in Turkey

Again, as an exile in Turkey, I feel blessed to be able to adhere to a Mediterranean diet easily and at an affordable price, with the only other step to take to achieve optimal health is to cut out the imported animal products. So, at any age and stage of the game of life, eat Mediterranean food, get a friendly diet (be vegan), eat in season and if possible a series of colorful products like a rainbow every day is this good practice. our optimal physical and mental health could not be more important.

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