Since Ancel Keys introduced the Seven Countries Study in the 1950s, the Mediterranean diet has been considered a model of healthy eating pattern for its contribution to a favourable health status and a better quality of life.1,2 Several studies in different populations have indicated that the main components of Mediterranean diet have a beneficial role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and chronic degenerative diseases.2,3 High olive oil (not necessarily extra-virgin olive oil) intakes are considered a trademark of the traditional Mediterranean diet, along with a high consumption of monounsaturated fat, plant proteins, wholegrain, and fish; a moderate intake of wine; and a low intake of red meat and sweets.4
A study by Estruch, et al. found that an energy-unrestricted Mediterranean diet supplemented by extra-virgin olive oil or nuts substantially reduced the occurrence of cardiovascular disease.5 In brief, the Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea (PREDIMED) trial was a large (7,447 participants), multi-centre, randomised control trial conducted in Spain, which aimed to investigate the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease solely with diet. Participants with a high risk of cardiovascular disease were assigned to one of three groups: those who received provision of extra-virgin olive oil, those who received provision of nuts, and those who were advised to reduce dietary fat. The primary end point was a composite of major cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, and death from cardiovascular causes). After a median follow-up of 4.8 years, the results of multivariate analyses presented a protective effect from olive oil and nuts supplementation versus the control diet by reducing the risk of cardiovascular...
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...e diets is that the Mediterranean diet consists of higher total calories from fat (roughly 35%) and specifically uses olive oil as the main source of fat.3
There are still many unanswered questions about the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. The recent finding by Estruch, et al. has not given enough proof either olive oil and nuts alone or the combination of a low-saturated fat and plant-based diet components are effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Likewise, the long-term effect of olive oil supplementation, which provides ta significant amount of empty calories, has not been documented. Given this limited information, a new recommendation about olive oil and nuts supplementation relies on a future randomised control trial of the same size as the PREDIMED study, which tests the real Mediterranean diet as a whole and lasts more than five years.
In the article “Paranoia about Fats is Driven by Junk Science” by Jill Richardson discusses the idea of how many Americans’ have false beliefs on the consumption of fats. Many think fats are bad and unhealthy for our diets, when in reality; we need them to maintain a healthy diet. For me and just like many others, I had the wrong impression on fats. Since many products today contain the label fat-free, I always believed that this was bad for diets. Since reading this article, it helped me take into account that eating omega-3 and omega-6; such as fish, greens, seeds, and oils are part of a well-balanced diet. This can be related to chapter 3, as omega-3 fatty acids are essential in preventing
In the Midwest, farmers were losing their land to mortgage foreclosures. American tourist deaths were attributed to a terrorist attack. A president known for his effective use of the media governed the United States. The U.S. cooperated in a change of government in the Philippines. Parents and churches criticized motion pictures for eroding American morals. And Appalachian State, after setting a new enrollment record, received favorable publicity in a national magazine. Sound familiar? Think again; you're 55 years off. The year was 1934 in the U.S.A.
For some time, scholars and writers have continuously debated as to what constitutes or defines the idea of healthy eating, mainly because of the increase in the number of people diagnosed with ailments associated with bad eating habits. It has quickly become the forefront of issue, particularly in the United States. In recognition of this on-going debate, this composition seeks to compare and contrast two well-known authors concerning how we think about and consume food. In Michael Pollan’s discussion, “Escape from the Western Diet,” he discusses the negative sides of nutrition science, including conflicting theories surrounding the elements of healthy food consumption and why solutions are essential for the Western diet and lifestyle. “Escape from the Western Diet,’’ is among the articles that talks about the eating habits of individuals in the society. In the article, Pollan points out not only the numerous conflicts concerning what types of diets – including carbohydrate-based, the inclusion of omega-3s, other nutrition-specific needs - that are believed to directly affect general health or specific illnesses, but also how western nutritionism compares to other countries diets affect longevity outcomes. In the end, Pollan suggests that the United States must seek solutions that move towards more natural, unprocessed, plant-based lifestyles that ensure that individuals are making what they consume a primary
As the Western world experiences increasing occurrences of certain diseases, society is focusing not only on finding the source of this phenomena but also on finding a solution to the problem. In his essay “Escape from the Western Diet”, Michael Pollan places the blame on the Western diet, arguing that people need only to change their eating habits in order to prevent many chronic diseases. While the author makes a compelling argument, his usage of logical fallacies, his questionable credibility, and his apparent bias weaken his point; nonetheless, I agree with his overall surmise that the western diet should be improved.
The purpose of this report is to explore the controversial dispute between the quality of two different forms of fish oil supplementation; Triglyceride (TG) and Ethyl Ester (EE). Fish oil can be implemented into a diet by eating either fish or taking supplements. Fish oil is extracted from selected fish that contain highly beneficial healthy oils known as omega-3 fatty acids, two of the most important omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish oil are Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA). Some of these fish that contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids include Tuna, Salmon, Mackerel, Herring, Anchovy’s etc. Fish oil supplementation also often contains small amounts of vitamin E to prevent spoilage and is can be combined with various other minerals and vitamins. There is an array of benefits that are involved when implementing fish oil into a diet; although it’s most common association is that it has been linked to slightly lowering blood pressure or triglyceride levels (fats linked to cholesterol). Although fish oil is recommended for persons with high blood pressure, it’s extremely important to remember that it is only to be taken at recommended dosages as it can ironically increase the chances of stroke when overdosing on the supplement. The scope of this report includes a general comparison between TG and EE fish oil supplements and how they are chemically differentiated, with a focus on how the quality of the two forms of supplement are processed. This report will not focus on other forms of fish oil sources and the impact it might have on irreversible factors such as age, gender, genetics, race/culture or environmental conditions.
There is always some confusion when it comes to what someone can eat and what they cannot eat while they are on the Mediterranean Diet.
Western diet causes many diseases; increases people’s medical need for supplements and vitamins. However one writer disagrees with him and suggests “Eat foods that are less processed” (Denis Burkitt) which is easy to say but hard to apply on. Future more Pollen’s purpose of writing this article was to show how bad the effects of eating Western dieting can be, and to introduce a way to escape and in order to create a healthier country. Pollan also mentions the fact that livestock is being raised on a Western diet too, which means they are raised genetically too which means nothing is healthy like it used to be. In order to strengthen his statement he shows the percent of income spent on food in countries where the diseases percent is smaller to prove indeed “Western diet” is unhealthy, this matters a lot because currently most of the people living in this country are suffering from chronic diseases caused by wrong diet. Michael
This article details the benefits of a primarily vegetarian diet in primary prevention of heart disease.
Compare and Contrast Low Carbohydrate Diets and Low Fat Diets The two most popular methods to lose weight are the low carbohydrate diets and the low fat diets. Both are in complete contrast when it comes to each diet’s food choices, the low carbohydrate diet which completely breaks the food pyramid limits a person to eating foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta and rice, while on the other hand, the low fat diet which follow the food pyramid limits a person to eat foods that are high in fat like meat, milk, and bean groups. Although each diet may sound very different from one another, they also share similarities. Both the low carbohydrate diet and the low fat diet claim that each is a good tool for weight loss.
After World War I, Woodrow Wilson, the president of the United States of America, created fourteen points in order to develop peace throughout the European nations. The first five points stated general peace clauses between the warring countries. He put forth the five points to ensure a tranquil environment in which the European countries can function without trouble. The last point also dealt with sense of a peace intention. It asked for a general association of the European countries to confirm national integrity (Wilson’s Fourteen Points 1).
Experts note that an anti-inflammatory diet is very similar to the Mediterranean diet, a heart-healthy way of eating that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains. One study of more than 1.5 million healthy adults showed a marked reduction in risk of heart disease death, cancer death, and development of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Another study, published in 2013 in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed a 30 percent reduction in heart attacks, strokes and deaths from heart disease among participants who switched to a Mediterranean diet.
The diet that I am currently on is not as nutritious as it should be. By looking at the Dietary Recommended Intakes for my age and comparing it to my current dietary habits, I hav...
The Omega-3's are widely recognized for their role in heart health. Not only do these fatty acids help healthy hearts, they also benefit those with cardiovascular disease. Research has proved atherosclerotic plaque reduces with consistent consumption of omega-3's. Further, incidences of irregular heartbeats decline with these fatty acids; high blood pressure has been known to slightly drops as well.
The Mediterranean Diet is rich in vegetables, fruit, legumes such as peas and beans and also rich in grains. It also contains moderate amounts of chicken and fish. There is little red meat. Most fat is unsaturated and comes from olive oil and nuts. Since a diet is what you eat and what you drink having a small amount of red wine has been shown to increase the health benefits. In combination with moderate exercise and not smoking, the Mediterranean Diet offers a scientifically researched, balanced, and health-promoting lifestyle choice. (HealthFitnessRevolution, 2013)
Do you ever know, the percent of adults who are obese in the United States is 34.9% now, and it was continuously getting larger in the recent years (CDC)? What a surprise that more than 1 out of 3 adults are obese in our country. Obesity can cause various health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, Coronary heart disease, or even directly cause death. So, it is time to control and prevent obesity. Exercise is a good and normal way to lose weight, but Melinda Moyer discusses about another way, reducing the gain of carbs in people’s daily lives. She leads readers to explore the relation between carbs-rich diet and obesity or chronic disease. Even though some other theories like low-fat diet was supported in the history, more facts