Live longer with a Mediterranean diet, say experts

A Mediterranean diet can help lower rates of disease and extend life expectancy, health experts discussed at a forum recently.
"Fast food, unhealthy habits and a sedentary lifestyle are the norm among too many GCC residents and it's having a huge impact on the overall health of the region," said Dr Khalid Al Madani, consultant in clinical nutrition and vice-president of Saudi Society for Food and Nutrition.
"There are proven links between eating a Mediterranean-style diet and lower rates of diseases and longer life expectancy. Through education and public policy, we hope GCC residents will fully understand the impact their daily choices can make on their long-term health," he said.
A recent conference discussed widespread nutrition myths and provided in-depth insight into the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet.
It tapped into the diet's crucial role in the successful prevention of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.
This is a particularly important topic for the UAE where cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death. Across the emirates, around one in 10 residents lives with diabetes and 47.5 per cent of citizens are considered overweight - reducing these rates is a high priority.
The talks were held in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in the UAE and the Federalimentare (The Federation of the Italian Agri-Food Industries).
"Italy believes it is of utmost importance to raise global awareness of food safety and healthy nutrition, against any shortfalls in trade regulations that have only the effect of misleading consumers in their choices," said Liborio Stellino,
Ambassador of Italy to the UAE, who opened the conference.
"It is not by chance that the Mediterranean diet has always been widely recognised by Unesco and included in their Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, due to the values the diet embodies," he said.
Stellino added that Italian agri-food manufacturers respect this heritage, providing high-quality and natural ingredients daily.
"The future generations' healthcare will be built on prevention, stemming from education around ingredients, food and how to live a healthy lifestyle," he said.
A Mediterranean diet comprised fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, as well as healthy fats (such as extra virgin olive oil, nuts and seeds) and fresh fish. It excludes butter or refined grains and typically includes less meat and dairy than a Western or Middle Eastern diet.
"Out of all the trendy diets you could choose, following a Mediterranean diet is not only delicious, it could boost your health, too. Packed with fruits and veggies, fish, whole grains and healthy fats, the Mediterranean diet could help manage your weight, benefit your brain, improve heart health, and maybe even help you live longer."
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com