The Mediterranean diet is just one of many diets that experts advocate for better health. It’s not so much a singular diet plan, but a way of eating that uses the healthy food habits of countries in the Mediterranean region. The diet is considered healthy because it is low in trans fats and also doesn’t include processed foods and refined oils. Avoiding these things may help reduce the risk of certain diseases, like diabetes. Now, a new study has shown that the Mediterranean diet may also improve the bone health of postmenopausal women.
Elderly Care in Mississauga: Mediterranean Diet and Bone Health
Details of the Study
The study took place in Brazil and involved 103 participants. All of the participants were healthy women around the age of 55 who had gone through menopause about five years prior to the study. None of the women were using hormone replacement therapy. Researchers took several measurements, including:
- Bone mineral density.
- Body fat.
- Muscle mass.
- Resting metabolic rate.
- Physical activity.
Each participant filled out a questionnaire about their eating habits. Researchers focused on how much of each of the following foods the women ate:
- Vegetables.
- Legumes.
- Fish.
- Fruits.
- Cereals.
- Alcohol.
- Olive oil.
- Dairy products.
- Meat.
All of these foods are included in the Mediterranean diet, so women who ate more of them received a higher score. The scientists determined that higher scores correlated with better bone mineral density.
The study was small, and more research is needed, but the information gathered may be just one more reason to give the diet a try.
Starting the Diet
Advocates of the Mediterranean diet say it’s simple to get started. The basic rules are:
Shop the Edges: Most of your shopping should take place around the perimeter (or edges) of the store where the healthy foods are stocked. That’s where you’ll find the vegetables, fruits, dairy, and meats, but not as much processed food.
Eat Seasonally: This means to focus meals on produce that is in season. That way you’ll not only get the best prices, but also the freshest fruits and vegetables.
Whole Grains: When picking grain products, like breads and pastas, look for those made with whole grains. Read product ingredient lists and look for those that list whole grains among the first ingredients.
If your aging relative is reluctant to change the way they eat, start gradually adding more components of the Mediterranean diet into their usual diet. Senior care can help older adults to make the change to a healthier diet. Senior care providers can help to plan meals, make a weekly menu, and go grocery shopping. A senior care provider can also help carry heavy grocery bags into the house and put the items away. If your loved one doesn’t like to cook or has trouble cooking for themselves, a senior care provider can also prepare meals.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Elderly Care in Mississauga, contact the caring professionals at Staff Relief Health Care 24/7 at (905)-709-1767.
Sources:
Webmd.com
Health.com
Medicalnewstoday.com
About Susan Di Michele
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