Mediterranean diet has been in the news for long for all the right reasons. A diet dominated by fruits, vegetables and a moderate amount of meat, fish and poultry, it is deemed beneficial for weight loss, diabetes management and overall health; so much so that Mediterranean diet has been voted the best diet (for overall health) for 2021, as per the U.S. News & World Report's annual ranking. There's no denying the fact that the Mediterranean diet has gained a fair share of popularity across the globe, especially amongst the health enthusiasts. However, researchers found a refined version of it that is touted healthier that the traditional Mediterranean Diet. It is referred to as Green-Mediterranean Diet.
What Is Green-Mediterranean Diet | Health Benefits Of Green-Med Diet:
Green-Mediterranean diet is basically a food pattern that replaces the red meat (allowed in the Mediterranean diet) with plant-based protein. According to health experts, plant-protein includes anti-inflammatory properties that further prevents inflammation and benefits our health. Let's find out its benefits:
Green-Mediterranean Diet For Heart Health:
An earlier study, published in the journal Heart, finds that this version of a plant-based diet may help reduce cardiovascular risk, especially in men. Researchers randomly assigned 294 obese people (average age of 51) into three dietary groups; first was a regular healthy diet, the second was a traditional Mediterranean diet, and third was the restricted green version of the Mediterranean diet (green-Med diet). It was inferred that people following Green-Mediterranean diet achieved a larger fall in bad cholesterol than the other two diets.
Green-Mediterranean Diet For Better Metabolism:
The same study also found that people consuming more plant-protein had better metabolism and reduced risks of inflammation.
Green-Mediterranean Diet For Weight Loss:
Green-Mediterranean diet is enriched with polyphenols that work as an antioxidant to flush out toxins and promote weight loss. A recent study, published in the journal Gut, found that Green-Mediterranean diet, enriched with green tea and walnut, helps burn fat more effectively, compared to traditional Med diet that includes a moderate portion of red meat.
Considering the above factors, we bring you some plant-based protein options that can help you go green for a healthy and nutritious lifestyle.
5 Plant-Based Proteins You May Replace Meat And Chicken With:
- Dal and legumes (like moong, masoor, rajma, lobia etc)
- Fruits and green vegetables (berries, broccoli, spinach, green peas etc)
- Soy products (soy milk, tofu etc)
- Whole grain (like oats, quinoa, ragi etc)
- Nuts and seeds (almond, walnut, chia seeds and more).
(Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)