Put Nutrition At The Healthy Heart Of Your Wellness Agenda
National wellness month in August is a great time to focus on good nutrition and making healthy choices and including the best extra virgin olive oil in your diet is a great way to start. One simple way to do this is by incorporating extra virgin olive oil into your diet. This delicious oil is packed with nutrients and offers a host of health benefits. For example, it can help to reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels, and improve blood sugar control. What’s more, extra virgin olive oil is a great source of antioxidants, which are important for protecting the body against disease. So make the most of national wellness month by adding some extra virgin olive oil to your meals!
Why Celebrate National Wellness Month?
Did you know that focusing on your own self-care and wellness helps manage stress and promotes happiness? Whether you challenge yourself to a new fitness regime or book yourself in for a spa treatment, making even small changes can have a positive impact on your health.
There are numerous ways to make those small changes, too.
- Add more fruits and vegetables to your meals with a diet such as The Mediterranean Diet.
- Increase your water intake.
- Monitor your sleep and make adjustments for better sleep habits
- Join a yoga, walking, or aerobics class.
- Learn to meditate.
The Mediterranean Diet For Wellness: Tell Me More!
According to a fascinating article from Everydayhealth.com, there are eight scientific health benefits of The Mediterranean Diet. So what are the hard facts?
- The Mediterranean Diet May Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease
- A Mediterranean Diet May Reduce Women’s Risk of Stroke
- A Mediterranean Diet May Prevent Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s Disease
- The Mediterranean Diet May Help With Weight Loss and Maintenance
- A Mediterranean Diet May Stave Off Type 2 Diabetes
- People With Rheumatoid Arthritis May Benefit From the Mediterranean Diet
- Are Foods in the Mediterranean Diet Protective Against Cancer?
- Some Foods in the Mediterranean Diet May Ease Depression
Depression is a serious mood disorder that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 16 million adults in the United States experience depression each year. While there are many factors that can contribute to depression, research has shown that diet can play a role. In particular, the Mediterranean diet has been linked to a reduced risk of depression.
While more research is needed to confirm the link between the Mediterranean diet and depression, there is evidence to suggest that this way of eating may be beneficial for mental health.
Wellness And Nutrition: What The Scientists Say
These are some seriously impressive claims and full details of the science behind each health benefit can be found at Everydayhealth.com
Jo Ann Carson, PhD, a former professor of clinical nutrition at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and a former chair of the nutrition committee for the American Heart Association puts the science in to a wider context:
“Whether you’re thinking of diabetes or cancer or heart disease, we want people to be at a healthy weight and not to be gaining weight unnecessarily. As you’re following the Mediterranean pattern, make sure that you’re doing it in a way that helps you control calories, which is very doable,” she says.
Jo Ann Carson, PhD
This well-rounded approach to good nutrition emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. It also allows for moderate amounts of dairy, lean protein, and red wine. One of the key components of the Mediterranean diet is extra virgin olive oil. This healthy fat has been shown to lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels. It can also reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. In addition, olive oil is a great source of antioxidants and vitamins E and K. So next time you’re looking for a way to improve your health, consider giving the Mediterranean diet a try.
