More Evidence in Support of the Mediterranean Diet

A Greek salad is on a table. Olive oil is being poured on it.
A Greek salad - one example of Mediterranean food. (source)

The Mediterranean diet is known for its numerous health benefits. It is currently rated the best diet overall by US News and World Report. Based on the eating habits of people living in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, this diet has been proven to have positive effects on our well-being.

A new study that utilized blood tests, and not only self-reporting of eating habits, adds to the evidence. Cambridge University researchers found individuals who followed the Mediterranean diet had an even lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than previously thought.

The diet's emphasis on whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds provides essential nutrients and fiber that help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes. Additionally, the Mediterranean diet promotes heart health by including healthy fats from olive oil and fatty fish.

The Mediterranean diet encourages a balanced and enjoyable approach to eating. It emphasizes consuming fresh, natural foods and discourages eating processed and sugary items, contributing to weight management and overall well-being. The evidence keeps mounting, so why not try the Mediterranean diet?

Sources: healthline.com, health.usnews.com

For source links, see the article on ESLNewsStories.com

Worksheet with activities

Audio

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Useful Language

  • Mediterranean (adj, n) - the sea and area between Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia
  • Numerous (adj) - many
  • Well-being (n) - general level of health and happiness
  • Utilize (v) - to use
  • Diabetes (n) - a disease in which a person’s body cannot produce enough insulin to control sugar in their blood
  • Emphasis (n) - the importance or focus that is given to something
  • Legume (n) - plants that have seeds in a pod, like beans or peas
  • Essential (adj) - necessary
  • Nutrient (n) - a substance that plants or animals need to grow
  • Consume (v) - to eat, drink, or use something
  • Mount (v) - to increase gradually

Discussion

Discuss the following questions with your partner(s).

  1. What did you think about this story? Was there any surprising information?
  2. Which countries surround the Mediterranean Sea? Have you visited any of them?
  3. If you were offered a holiday to any Mediterranean country, which would you pick and why?
  4. Do you know anyone that suffers from diabetes? How is their life affected?
  5. Have you tried dieting? What were the details of a diet that you were on?
  6. How does Mediterranean food sound to you? Would you like to eat those foods most of the time?
  7. In your opinion, is food more important than exercise for being healthy?
  8. Besides food and exercise, what else can we do for our well-being?
  9. What is good about natural foods as opposed to processed foods?
  10. Do you try to use lessons from science and research in the way you live your life?
  11. How do you feel when giving a blood sample or donating blood?

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