Nutrition experts and doctors alike have been touting the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for years. Even celebs like Dancing with the Stars Season 7 winner Brooke Burke and actress Penélope Cruz are fans of the diet.
But the emphasis on whole foods isn’t just great for your heart; your brain can get a boost from these foods, too. A 2016 review of 18 articles, published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, found a link between eating plenty of whole foods and healthy fats, and improved cognitive function in people of all ages. The review’s findings also suggest that prioritizing whole foods in your diet might help to slow the rate at which the brain declines, meaning the Mediterranean diet could potentially reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Some studies have even shown that the Mediterranean diet might help to reduce the risk of certain cancers, including uterine, breast, colon, prostate, and kidney cancer.
Suddenly craving a colorful plate of salmon and veggies? Here’s a 7-day Mediterranean diet meal plan to help you start eating like Itsines ASAP.
