Lewis - Mediterranean Slow Cooker: 101 Best of Easy and Delicious Mediterranean Slow Cooker Recipes to a Healthy Life

Diet, lifestyle factors and obesity are also associated with an increased risk of certain cancers. Being substantially overweight can bring on or worsen osteoarthritis, sleep apnoea (a condition where your breathing stops for short spells during sleep), high blood pressure and gallbladder disease. Traditional Mediterranean dishes consisting of large quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish and olive oilcoupled with physical activityreduce the risk of heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, Parkinsons and Alzheimers diseases. More specifically protecting against type 2 diabetes. Because Mediterranean dishes are rich in fiber, it slows down digestion and prevents huge swings in blood sugar. It also reduces the risk of having Parkinsons disease.

In a diet containing high levels of antioxidants that prevent cells from undergoing a damaging process called oxidative stress, the risk of Parkinsons disease is practically cut in half. Researchers investigated the lifestyle of the long-lived Mediterranean people to see if we could learn from them and use the knowledge in higher-risk populations. After such factors as smoking, exercise, education and stress had been taken into account; it was found that diet had played an essential part in keeping these communities healthy. The dietary pattern was not new. In fact, it was a traditional mix of fresh seasonal and easily stored produce that probably dated back to the early civilizations. It had incorporated new foods, such as tomatoes, peppers and potatoes.

They tried to establish which foods offered particular health benefits, producing all the research into 'super foods'. It was found that both individual food components (such as vegetables, fruits, mono-unsaturated fats) and their combination into a long-term dietary pattern were important for health. These cuisines are very ideal because it contain a variety of vegetables, a variety of fruit, legumes, cereals and cereal products; moderate quantities of fish, white meats, nuts, low-fat dairy produce; low quantities of red meat, eggs, sweets and sweet desserts; a high mono-unsaturated fat (eg, olive oil) to saturated animal fat (eg, fatty red meat); and low amounts of added salt - in many cases, herbs can be used for flavouring in place of excess salt. With fat being a major source of calories, restrictions can be placed on total amounts used in food preparation if setting targets for losing weight. There are many possibilities to be creative using locally sourced and affordable produce, according to your taste. You don't need to master Greek or Italian cookery - unless you want to.

Just use the ingredient mix in any way you wish. The health benefits of vegetables usually show in long run by improving your overall health and keeping the internal systems in perfect condition. The consumption of vegetables takes care of your digestive, excretory, and skeletal system, as well as blood pressure levels. With a diet rich in vegetables, you are being benefited with abundant antioxidants that keep away diseases like cancer, cardiovascular problems and strokes. Moreover, vegetables deliver ample amounts of vitamins, including folate, vitamin A, vitamin K and vitamin B6, as well as carotenoids like beta carotene from carrots, lycopene from tomatoes, zeaxanthin from greens, and lutein from spinach and collard greens. Vegetables also help in keeping your weight under control and promoting healthy skin and hair.

There have been innumerable research studies done all over the world that strongly suggest having fresh, green vegetables on a regular basis is far better than going for supplementary tablets to get the wholesome nutrition that you need. Including vegetables in your diet is probably the easiest way to stay healthy, trim and nourished. Since vegetables are low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods, they help you to stay in optimum health over the long term by keeping your weight in check. According to a recent study, plant-based foods contain antioxidants (polyphenols) that may improve blood sugar in people at risk for diabetes and heart disease. We all know that Popeye made himself super strong by eating spinach, but you may be surprised to learn that he may also have been helping to protect himself against inflammatory problems, oxidative stress-related problems, cardiovascular problems, bone problems, and cancers at the same time. Calorie for calorie, leafy green vegetables like spinach with its delicate texture and jade green color provide more nutrients than any other food.

With the Mediterranean style, youll eat mostly plant-based foods, including fruits and vegetables, potatoes, whole-grain bread, beans, nuts, and seeds. You can have yogurt, cheese, poultry, and eggs in small portions. You should eat fish and seafood at least twice a week. "Good" fats get a stamp of approval: think olives, extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, sunflower seeds, and avocados instead of butter or margarine. Youll use olive oil a lot while cooking. Reach for herbs and spices to add flavor.