The question about the best diet plan constantly follows us around in our journey towards fitness. The more we explore, the more number of diets we come across, and the more confused we get.
In rankings by the US News and World Report Mediterranean diet won the gold as 2019’s best overall diet, after a review of 41 diet plans by a panel of experts in heart disease and diabetes, nutrition, diet, food, psychology and obesity.
According to a CNN report, the diet topped the list in many subcategories such as healthy eating, best plant-based diet, best-diet for diabetes and easiest diet to follow.
The results are not surprising, considering the several studies that have proven health benefits of the Mediterranean diet.
What Is the Mediterranean Diet?
Mediterranean diet calls for a greater emphasis on consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, nuts, whole grains, fish and poultry while turning a blind eye to refined carbohydrates and processed sugar. High on unsaturated fats, the Mediterranean diet discourages intake of refined grains found in sweets and dissuades people from consuming red meat and white rice.
But this doesn’t mean that the Mediterranean diet eliminates proteins and carbs. On the contrary, it encourages a healthy blend of carbs, proteins, fiber and omega 3 fatty acids.
The presence of olive oil in the Mediterranean diet is partly responsible for its healthy attributes, according to a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Experts suggest that for the Mediterranean diet to fetch maximum results, one has to combine it with healthy lifestyle and regular exercise.
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