![]() ![]() We haven’t mentioned these here (they deserve a whole post of their own!), but these include all the vitamins and minerals that are also essential for optimal health. Ĭhoosing better quality also often helps increase the micronutrient content, too. Whilst this doesn’t contribute to the balance of the plate, the type of carbohydrates and fats consumed in particular are important to obtain the array of health benefits attributed to the Mediterranean diet, such as reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, certain cancers and brain function. However, as mentioned, there is the added focus on quality. Moving back to macronutrients, the typical ratios of the Mediterranean diet have been found to be 50-60% carbohydrates, 15-20% protein and 30% fats, which is considered a fairly balanced split. ![]() Though, this isn’t to say drinking a bottle of red wine is healthy! The benefits, particularly on reduction of cardiovascular disease risk, appear to be limited to a low to moderate consumption (roughly 125ml daily). Its widely accepted inclusion is likely due to the antioxidant-rich polyphenols found in red wine. To the surprise of some, even the odd glass of red wine is included too. The Mediterranean diet has a particular focus on certain fats, including olive oil and fatty fish, alongside fruits, vegetables and wholegrains. This diet is less about restriction and more about quality. So what is the best balanced diet?ĭespite many diets failing to show long-term success, there is one diet which has stood the test of time: the Mediterranean diet. Hence, cutting out or heavily restricting a whole food group can hinder your body from functioning optimally. They are required in relatively large quantities daily to support vital functions such as cellular growth and repair, immune function and as a source of energy. One thing that is certain is our body’s need for all three macronutrients. This suggests that there may not be an optimal macronutrient ratio, especially when it comes to weight loss. Whilst such diets have shown successful weight loss initially, a particular study found that none of the fourteen popular diets included led to maintained weight loss after 12 months. Both of which are high in fat and low in carbohydrates, and Atkins with an added focus on protein. But fortunately, it doesn’t work like that! Then on the opposite end came along the ketogenic and Atkins diets. In the 1960’s eating a low-fat diet became the craze, with the belief that eating fat made you fat. Despite all three being an essential part of the diet, some of these have been demonised over the years, largely prompted by the search for “the best diet”. All food is made up of a base of three main macronutrients: carbohydrate, protein and fat.
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