Health Benefits of Coffee (Mediterranean Diet)

By Bill Bradley, R.D.
Updated October 21, 2021

This diet originates from the Mediterranean basin, which used to be the ancient world’s hub. The Mediterranean diet is thought to have come from Crete, which lies in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. For millennia, people have been eating what their land produces and the Mediterranean produces wine, fruits, olives, veggies, and legumes.

Crete residents ate whatever was in season, which included a daily dose of carbs and fresh produce. They rarely ate red meat because bigger animals were pricey thus eaten only on special occasions. Cretans ate white meat such as chicken and fish one or two times a week.

What Is the Mediterranean Diet?

In the modern sense, this is not really a diet. Most people associate the word diet with calorie counting, starvation, and cutting meals. However, the Mediterranean diet refers to a healthy food guideline that consists of mostly organic foods. Since the diet has ancient origins, it focuses on fresh produce, which means that is does not consist of modern cuisine or processed foods.

The diet focuses on whole grains, fresh produce, an occasional glass of wine, and healthy fats. Unlike other diet plans, the Mediterranean diet encourages the consumption of healthy fats such as omega 3, which are said to cause weight loss instead of weight gain. You can find healthy fats in foods such as olive oil, avocado, and salmon.

The Mediterranean diet also includes vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. Such foods were easily accessible in the ancient days, which made them the staples of every meal. You should consume proteins, fruits, veggies, and healthy fats during each meal when on this diet.

Healthy fats are not processed, unlike saturated fats and trans fats, which are in processed meats. Processed fats are bad for digestion and your heart health. The Mediterranean diet features non-processed foods that would be easily accessible to a village or coastal farm. As is the case with healthy diets, you should also incorporate some exercises into your daily routine.

health benefits of coffee

Why This Diet Is Good for You

The main benefits of the Mediterranean diet are:

          Protects against type two diabetes

          Lowers cholesterol

          Stroke prevention

          Reduces likelihood of heart disease

          Reduces risk of developing Alzheimer’s

People on this diet are generally healthier than those who are not. The healthiest country in the world, Italy, follows the Mediterranean diet. Moreover, it is a highly sustainable diet because it relies on produce. Buying fresh ingredients from local farmers helps to reduce your carbon footprint and supports the local economy.

Why Coffee Fits into The Mediterranean Diet

health benefits of coffee

Drinking coffee has the following benefits:

          Reducing the risk of type two diabetes

          Giving energy

          Aiding weight loss

          Increasing focus and sharpening the mind

          Protecting cells from damage

          Lowering the risk of developing heart disease

Seeing as coffee and the Mediterranean diet are good for your heart and overall health, you should combine them. To make the perfect cup of joe, you can use this guide here to buy a good coffee maker.  You should drink a few cups of coffee a day with your diet to maximize the benefits of every food group.

Mixing a healthy diet with coffee will keep your body working like a well-oiled machine. However, you should not add too much dairy or sugar to your coffee, as this will take away from the health benefits; you should add sugar and dairy sparingly.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean diet is beneficial to your overall health. When you combine it with coffee, you will reap the maximum benefits of both and improve your heart health.

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