10 December,2019 03:51 PM IST | | IANS
This picture has been used for representational purpose only
Researchers have developed a new version of the Mediterranean diet that includes meat to cater to Western tastes and also deliver health benefits. A typical Mediterranean diet includes extra virgin olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, wholegrain breads, pastas and cereals, a moderate amount of fish and red wine, and low consumption of red meat, sweets and processed foods.
The new version of the Mediterranean diet includes 2-3 serves (250g) of fresh lean pork each week. The findings published in the journal Nutrients showed that the Mediterranean-Pork (Med-Pork) diet delivers cognitive benefits.
"The Mediterranean diet is widely accepted as the healthiest diet and is renowned for delivering improved cardiovascular and cognitive health, but in Western cultures, the red meat restrictions of the diet could make it hard for people to stick to," said Alexandra Wade from the University of South Australia.
"By adding pork to the Mediterranean diet, we're broadening the appeal of the diet, while also delivering improved cognitive function," Wade said.
ALSO READ
Mumbai doctors treat 33-year-old woman suffering from rare esophageal disorder
Diwali 2024: Mumbai doctors warn of alarming health risks from noise pollution
Breast cancer in men: Stigma delaying timely diagnoses and treatment
Prolonged exposure to arsenic in drinking water may up heart disease risk
Delhi air pollution: Doctors report 30 per cent rise in asthma, COPD cases
This study compared the cognitive effects of people aged 45-80 years and at risk of cardiovascular disease following a Med-Pork or a low-fat diet (often prescribed to negate risk factors for cardiovascular disease).
The results showed the Med-Pork intervention outperformed the low-fat diet, delivering higher cognitive processing speeds and emotional functioning, both markers of good mental health.
"Improving people's processing speed shows the brain is working well," Wade said. "Then, when you add the fact that pork production emits only a fraction of the greenhouse gases compared with beef, and the Med-Pork diet is really ticking all boxes -- taste, health and environment," Wade said.
Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates