Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and it’s becoming clearer that our diet can either make or break our heart health.
A group of scientists wanted to find out which diets are best for our hearts. They focused on three types: the classic Mediterranean diet, a general healthy diet recommended by doctors, and a new kid on the block—the green Mediterranean diet.
What’s So Special About the Green Mediterranean Diet?
The study, which looked at 300 people for 18 months, found that the green Mediterranean diet had the most dramatic impact on artery health.
If arteries get too stiff, it’s bad news for the heart. The green Mediterranean diet made people’s arteries 15% less stiff, while the other two diets had less impressive results.
So, what’s in this new green diet? It’s basically the Mediterranean diet on a green boost.
It includes all the good stuff like fruits, vegetables, and olive oil, but adds in more plant-based foods like green tea and a special water plant called Wolffia globosa (or Mankai for short).
Mankai is packed with protein and nutrients, making it a great option for people who want to eat less meat.
But the benefits don’t stop at your heart. This diet can also help improve your gut health, protect your brain from aging, and even reduce belly fat!
Tips to Improve Your Heart Health
While it’s great to learn about the potential of the green Mediterranean diet, we can’t forget other important steps to keep our hearts happy:
Eating Right
Go for foods that are high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Steer clear of foods that have too much salt, sugar, and bad fats.
Staying Active
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like walking or swimming, most days of the week.
Quit Smoking
If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart.
Keep Stress in Check
Too much stress isn’t good for your heart. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga can help.
Get Enough Sleep
Aim to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night.
Manage Health Conditions
If you’ve got other health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes, make sure you’re managing them with the help of healthcare providers.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in more ways to look after your heart, check out studies on the best times to take vitamins and how they can impact heart disease.
Also, don’t forget to read up on how certain plant nutrients could lower high blood pressure and antioxidants that may reduce the risk of dementia.
So the next time you’re looking for ways to eat better and boost your heart health, consider going green with the Mediterranean diet. It’s a simple change that could make a big difference in your well-being.
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