Physician says ‘MediterAsian’ food regimen results in well being advantages – cut back diabetes danger

Jun 27, 2023 at 8:01 PM
Physician says ‘MediterAsian’ food regimen results in well being advantages – cut back diabetes danger

The Blue Zones are areas on the earth the place folks, on common, live longer and more healthy lives.

“As a physician and meals scientist, I’ve spent 20 years finding out how our diets can assist us beat ailments and reside longer,” mentioned Dr Li.

A fan of pure meals, Dr Li mentioned his food regimen is “inspired by a unique blend of two of the greatest food cultures in the world: Mediterranean and Asia”.

Colloquially referred to as “MediterAsian”, the food regimen consists of six proponents:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Legumes
  • Oils and vinegars
  • Seafood
  • Liquids.

Delving into every element of the MediterAsian food regimen, Dr Li is especially eager on incorporating 4 fruits into his consuming regime.

Fruits really useful by Dr Li:

  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Grapefruit
  • Avocados.

“Three apples a day can help reduce body fat,” mentioned Dr Li, who added they’re “great for salads… delicious as a snack, or baked into a dessert”.

Pears, that are an “excellent source of dietary fibre” are perfect for bettering intestine well being.

“Grapefruit flesh contains disease-fighting flavonoids, and vitamin C, which is a powerful DNA-protecting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance,” mentioned Dr Li.

If you’re at present taking statins for a well being situation, do seek the advice of along with your physician earlier than consuming grapefruit because it might result in an undesirable interplay, the NHS confirmed.

Vegetables Dr Li are eager on embody broccoli, soy, and mushrooms.

“Broccoli is potent in sulforaphane, which protects stem cells, improves gut health and metabolism, and amplifies immune responses,” mentioned Dr Li.

“Soy has been associated with lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease by 20 percent and diabetes by 23 percent.”

Legumes Dr Li is most fond of are white beans and lentils, with the previous “lowering blood cholesterol levels” and the latter containing numerous fibre.

As for the “most desirable” sort of oil, Dr Li really useful additional virgin olive oil.

“The ‘extra virgin’ refers to oil that is not refined, and as a result, contains tiny bits of ripe olives,” defined Dr Li.

“The oil and bits are the source of potent polyphenols that activate health defenses.”

Dr Li additionally steered:

  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Fermented bean paste.

Seafood suggestions embody salmon, roe and sardines, whereas liquids refers to matcha and oolong tea.