Mediterranean lifestyle helps increase longevity

Scientists say that Mediterranean-style social interaction, physical activity, and eating lots of fruit and low in salt help increase longevity and reduce the risk of cancer.

This is the result of a study conducted by experts from La Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (Spain) and Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health (USA). Volunteers aged 45 to 70 in England, Wales and Scotland.

Experts scored volunteers based on how often they practiced Mediterranean-style habits, such as cutting salt, consuming healthy beverages, taking regular naps, exercising and spending time with friends.

Over the nine-year study period, more than 4,200 people died, including about 2,400 from cancer and 730 from cardiovascular disease (heart attacks and strokes). The researchers found that people who followed a Mediterranean diet had a 29% lower risk of death than those who did not follow this lifestyle. Another study, published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings, found the figure was 28%.

The group that rested, exercised regularly, and socialized with friends also had a lower chance of dying from cardiovascular disease.

"The study suggests that non-Mediterranean populations can still adopt practices common in the region, by using locally available products and adopting a healthy lifestyle that is appropriate to the cultural context," said Mercedes Sotos Prieto, a professor at La Universidad Autonoma de Madrid and co-author of the study.

Popular dishes on a Mediterranean menu. Photo: Freepik — Popular dishes on a Mediterranean menu. Photo: *Freepik*

The Mediterranean diet or lifestyle has long been praised by scientists. In 2019, US News and World Report voted it the best diet for health. Evaluation criteria include: ease of implementation; nutritional adequacy; ability to lose weight in the short and long term; safety; ability to prevent and control diabetes and heart disease.

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and extra virgin olive oil. It avoids sugar and refined flour except on special occasions. Fats other than olive oil, such as butter, are rarely used.

Instead of meat, the Mediterranean diet mainly uses fish. Eggs, milk, and chicken are also included on the menu, but in moderation.

The diet of the people of this region is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber. All of these are key ingredients in reducing the risk of chronic disease.

Thuc Linh (According to Independent )

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