Following a Mediterranean diet could reduce the risk of hearing loss – so what should you be eating?
By Prudence Wade. Published 2020-06-30
BOLD-WellbeingIt’s all about fresh foods, and nothing processed.
As if the Mediterranean diet couldn’t get any better, it can now add another string to its bow. Research from Brigham and Women’s Hospital has found that healthy diets – such as the Mediterranean version – can be linked to a lower risk of hearing loss.So what’s involved? “A Mediterranean diet consists of foods typically consumed in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea such as Greece, Italy, Spain, and France – but because so many countries and eating habits border the sea, a Mediterranean diet can have a few different definitions,” explains Dr Diana Gall of Doctor4U.“In general, though, the diet is high in fruit, veg, fish, legumes, nuts, grains, and extra virgin olive oil. Red meat and dairy appear rarely, or at least in moderation, while added sugars and processed foods aren’t in the diet at all.”
One thing is clear about the Mediterranean diet; it has lots going for it. There are various studies which can speak to the benefits (like this one on its cardivascular perks), with Gall noting: “It reduces the risk of developing certain chronic illnesses such as Type-2 diabetes, and high cholesterol and blood pressure – all of which are risk factors for heart disease.”It’s also been linked to reducing the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. “A healthy, balanced diet such as the Mediterranean diet with less fatty, processed foods can actually help against depression and anxiety, help stabilise blood sugar levels and help control your weight,” adds Gall.What’s great about this ‘diet’ is it’s not a restrictive eating plan. Rather, it’s about choosing fresh, healthy foods over anything particularly processed. So what can this look like day-to-day? Here’s a 24-hour Mediterranean meal plan to get you started…
One thing is clear about the Mediterranean diet; it has lots going for it. There are various studies which can speak to the benefits (like this one on its cardivascular perks), with Gall noting: “It reduces the risk of developing certain chronic illnesses such as Type-2 diabetes, and high cholesterol and blood pressure – all of which are risk factors for heart disease.”It’s also been linked to reducing the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. “A healthy, balanced diet such as the Mediterranean diet with less fatty, processed foods can actually help against depression and anxiety, help stabilise blood sugar levels and help control your weight,” adds Gall.What’s great about this ‘diet’ is it’s not a restrictive eating plan. Rather, it’s about choosing fresh, healthy foods over anything particularly processed. So what can this look like day-to-day? Here’s a 24-hour Mediterranean meal plan to get you started…