Many studies show how certain foods help lengthen our life span by keeping us healthier. In doing these studies, researchers found that Europeans have a longer life span and it’s due to their way of life.
Their stress level is very low; they enjoy life a little more than Americans do. But overall, what keeps them healthy and gives them a longer life span are the foods they eat. However, they found that those that live in the Mediterranean enjoy a diet rich in oils, fruits and vegetables and this diet is what has given them a longer life span than the all other Europeans.
We already know that their meals include olive oils, red wines, tomatoes, all brimming with nutrients. But there are more foods they enjoy that help them reach a vibrant old age. The trick is that these foods keep their bodies young, strong and healthy. The “Mediterranean Diet” has been around for a few years but it has become popular. Everyone wants to be healthier and enjoy life, be around a little longer with their loved ones.
Here are a few of the many miracle foods well known in the Mediterranean.
ONIONS
Onions give a certain flavor to food, it enhances but it also does something great to your body, it is a great bone builder. Consuming onions in your meals daily will increase bone mass, making them 15% thicker. Women should really consider adding this to their diet; it can help them prevent osteoporosis.
PEPPERCORNS
Those that suffer from acid reflux or gerd know firsthand how horrible heartburn really is. Well you can prevent these stomach problems by adding peppercorn to your meals. When the tongue tastes the seasoning, it triggers enzymes that coat the stomach protecting it from indigestion.
PINE NUTS
The main ingredient in pesto sauce is pine nuts but what you didn’t know is that it helps you lose weight. It contains pinolenic acid; this triggers the release of an appetite suppressant hormone that keeps you full for about six hours. It is also an antioxidant that protects blood vessel walls, fights inflammation and lowers blood pressure.
CHICKPEAS
Hummus is a very popular spread in the Mediterranean, the main ingredient is chickpeas. They provide you with over 164% of the recommended daily amounts of molybdenum. This compound traps sulfites which drain you of energy, sulfite is found in packaged foods. Chickpeas also soak up toxins and pollutants before they make you sick.
HONEY
Honey is used as their sweetener instead of sugar. Even though honey is sweet, it stabilizes blood sugar levels and gives you a good dose of energy for hours. Athletes use honey during workouts because it improves stamina and endurance.
GRAPESEED OIL
Olive oil usually gets all the credit but grapeseed oil is loaded with antioxidants and resveratrol. It is the same brain protecting substance found in red wines. Researchers say that it works so well it may prevent Alzheimer’s. This oil gives our memory a good boost.