Researchers Say, the ‘Green’ Mediterranean Diet — Swapping Meat for More Vegetables Can Make the Traditional Meals Even More Healthy

Following a Mediterranean diet has long been seen as the key to a healthy heart and long life.

But scientists have now found you can make it even healthier – by swapping meat for more vegetables.

The so-called ‘green’ Mediterranean plan was found to be better for weight loss and lowering cholesterol and diabetes risk than the traditional version.

Researchers conducted a trial on nearly 300 participants who were obese, with a body mass index (BMI) over 30.

They were all told to increase their physical activity and were then randomly divided into three groups.

SWAP THAT CHICKEN FOR NUTS AND BEANS

The Mediterranean diet is based on the healthy traditional cuisines of countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, such as France, Greece, Italy and Spain.

The diet is high in unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, as well as vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans and fish.

It’s not heavy in red meat but it does include animal products as the diet involves eating cheese as well as eggs and poultry.

The ‘green’ Mediterranean diet is broadly the same, only meat is replaced with plant-based protein.

SOURCE: Daily Mail, Eleanor Hayward