A Mediterranean-style diet is proving beneficial for more than just the heart. Researchers have been following women in the Nurses Health Study for decades. In the most recent analysis, more than 10,000 middle-aged women were evaluated after 15 years. Their diets and medical records were scrutinized to see whether certain types of food might influence health outcomes.
The nurses who followed a more Mediterranean-type diet by consuming more vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, fish, olive oil and moderate amounts of alcohol fared best. They were less likely to develop chronic health problems such as forgetfulness, breathing difficulties, Parkinson’s disease or cancer as they aged.
The women who were eating healthy foods in midlife were 40 percent more likely to make it to 70 years of age and beyond. In other words, a Mediterranean diet was associated with both improved quality and quantity of life.
[Annals of Internal Medicine, Nov 5, 2013]
We offer practical advice on how to follow a Mediterranean-style diet without moving to Spain or Italy in our book, The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies.
