The results of a study published in the journal JAMA Network Open have highlighted the many benefits associated with the Atlantic diet, a traditional dietary practice in northwest Spain and Portugal.
What is the Atlantic diet?
The Atlantic diet incorporates a variety of foods, including fresh fish, cod, as well as a moderate amount of red meat and pork products, dairy products, legumes, potatoes, wholemeal bread as well as than a moderate consumption of wine. Characteristics typical of Atlantic coastal regions, which ultimately turn out to be very similar to the Mediterranean diet. The Atlantic diet is also rich in green vegetables, especially spinach, asparagus and broccoli, which are known for their vitamin, mineral and antioxidant content.
What are the health benefits?
As part of their study, the researchers followed 250 families for six months, divided into two groups. Half of these families stuck to their usual diet, while the other half followed the dietary recommendations of specialists. These guidelines emphasized eating fresh, local, and minimally processed foods.
The traditional diet of northern Portugal and northwest Spain, known as the Atlantic diet, may be associated with better heart health and lower risk, study findings suggest premature death due to illnesses such as cancer, heart disease or other causes. The Atlantic diet would also have an impact on metabolic syndrome. This syndrome, characterized by a combination of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, triglycerides and abdominal fat accumulation, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke and other serious health problems.
Like the Mediterranean diet, the Atlantic diet is also said to have positive effects on health. Its dietary pattern rich in fatty fish, green vegetables and fresh fruits offers a multitude of essential nutrients to maintain good cardiovascular health, strengthen the immune system and prevent chronic diseases.
