The Mediterranean Diet and Caregiver Health

Med-dietCaregiving is an emotionally and physically exhausting job. The stress and fatigue it creates often puts the caregiver at risk for health conditions ranging from high blood pressure to heart disease. Exercise and good nutrition are two ways to manage both. Nutrition can be especially important. Over the past decade, evidence that the Mediterranean Diet is one of the best healthy lifestyle habits to adopt continues to mount.

 Understanding the Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean Diet is inspired by the dietary habits of those who live along the Mediterranean Sea in Greece, Southern Italy and Spain. It has been linked to lower rates of coronary heart disease and cancer. People living in these countries are believed to suffer fewer health problems in general than those who eat a Western diet higher in fat, carbohydrates, and salt.

The Mediterranean Diet focuses on eating fruits, lentils, fish and vegetables. Olive oil is a main stay of the diet. Dairy is consumed in small quantities, and breads are limited multi-grains that are lower in carbohydrates. The Mediterranean diet also allows for a glass or two of wine every day.

  

What Research Shows

Researchers at The University of Louisiana studied the health conditions of people who had adopted the Mediterranean Diet and found that they had: 

  • Lower rates of bad cholesterol
  • Improved brain activity
  • Lower rates of cancer
  • Reduced blood pressure
  • Decreased risk for stroke and heart disease
  • Lower incidence of Alzheimer’s disease

The experts believe these benefits can be largely attributed to the fact that the Mediterranean Diet is naturally low in animal and saturated fats and high in healthy monounsaturated fats.

 

Mediterranean Diet Grocery List

So what foods should your grocery list consist of if you want to give this way of eating a try? Here are some suggestions:

  • Salmon and tuna
  • Chicken
  • Lean ground beef
  • Mushrooms
  • Corn, beans, tomatoes
  • Frozen berries
  • Frozen spinach, carrots, broccoli, peas, squash
  • Oatmeal
  • Lentils, barley
  • Potatoes
  • Whole wheat pasta
  • Whole wheat tortillas
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Canola oil
  • Nuts (almonds, brazil nuts, pistachios, walnuts)
  • Low fat milk
  • Greek yogurt

We hope this will help you get started on a healthier way of eating. If you need more information, visit Healthy Eating on the American Heart & Stroke Association website.

 We’re here to answer questions and help you make the best decision for care for you or your loved one. We invite you to reach out and talk with one of our care specialists at Fall River Jewish Home today! CALL 1.508.679.6172, where assistance is just a phone call away.

 

 

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