The weather is warm, gardens are growing, and Med Month is in full swing! May is National Mediterranean Diet Month and a great time to make a commitment to your health now and in the future. The Mediterranean way of eating is based on research and has been shown to lower the risk for developing chronic diseases (like type 2 diabetes and heart disease) as well as some cancers. It doesn't stop there.

In fact, some of the various benefits of eating the "Med Way" include:

• lowered risk of type 2 diabetes
• lowered risk of cardiovascular disease
• lowered risk of some forms of cancer
• lowered risk of cognitive decline and developing Alzheimer's
• improved eye health and lowered risk of macular degeneration
• improved blood pressure management

Another benefit for many people who make the change to a Mediterranean diet is the ability to reach and maintain a healthy weight. This style of eating places a large emphasis on plant based foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds, olive oil, and whole grains. These foods are high in fiber, vitamins, and phytonutrients which are beneficial to our health. It also encourages limiting processed foods, fast food, saturated fats, sweets, and red meats.

If you'd like to find recipes or resources for Med Style Eating, check out the Med Instead of Meds website.

References:

1. Martini D. Health Benefits of Mediterranean Diet. Nutrients. 2019 Aug 5;11(8):1802. doi: 10.3390/nu11081802. PMID: 31387226; PMCID: PMC6723598.