A recent study hailing from La Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has found that living a Mediterranean lifestyle could mean a longer and healthier life.
This lifestyle isn’t just about what’s on your plate; it also includes getting enough sleep, staying active, and enjoying time with friends.
More Than Just Diet
The Mediterranean diet, known for its rich array of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, has long been praised for its health benefits.
But this latest research goes further, suggesting that the entire Mediterranean way of living—which encompasses diet, rest, exercise, and social activities—can significantly reduce the risk of dying from any cause or from cancer.
The findings, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, are especially relevant because they show that even people outside the Mediterranean region can enjoy these health benefits.
The study’s lead author, Mercedes Sotos Prieto, emphasizes that embracing the Mediterranean lifestyle doesn’t require living near the Mediterranean Sea; it’s about making healthier choices wherever you are.
Study Details and Findings
The researchers looked at the habits of over 110,000 UK adults, using a scoring system called the MEDLIFE index to measure how closely each person’s lifestyle matched the Mediterranean ideal. They checked in on the participants nine years later to see how they were doing.
It turned out that those who scored higher on the MEDLIFE index, meaning they followed the Mediterranean lifestyle more closely, had a 29% lower risk of dying from any cause and a 28% lower risk of dying from cancer.
Those who particularly embraced the lifestyle habits of resting, exercising, and socializing had an even lower risk of dying from heart disease.
Adopting the Mediterranean Way
Adopting the Mediterranean lifestyle could be a straightforward path to a healthier life, and it’s not just about changing your diet.
It’s about adopting a set of habits that include enjoying meals without added salt or sugar, engaging in physical activity, resting adequately, and spending time with loved ones.
This study opens up a world of possibility, showing that no matter where you live, embracing the full spectrum of the Mediterranean lifestyle could lead to significant health improvements.
So, whether it’s opting for a walk with friends, savoring a fruit-filled snack, or simply taking a moment to relax, these choices can contribute to a longer and healthier life.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about why vitamin K is so important for older people, and this snack food may harm your heart rhythm.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about vitamin that may protect you from type 2 diabetes, and results showing this common chemical in food may harm your blood pressure.
The research findings can be found in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
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