If you've had the privilege of traveling over the years or just since retirement, you know that there can be a big difference between native cuisines and their Americanized counterparts. This is an important point for older adults to remember when considering implementing these diets into their life. To reap the touted dietary benefits of global cuisines, you have to go back to the source and prepare ethnic dishes as they were originally meant to be prepared.
The World's Healthiest Diets
In her book, The Jungle Effect: The Healthiest Diets from Around the WorldWhy They Work and How to Make Them Work for You, author Dr. Daphne Miller evaluates the world's healthiest diets and explains what makes each cuisine a healthy choice. You won't find Americas fast-food laden diet on Dr. Miller's list, but you will find plenty of enticing meal options that are as nutritious as they are delicious.
- The Mediterranean diet, practiced by the Greeks, takes top honors as the healthiest diet on the planet and it is great for older adults! Check out this article from The New York Times, Aging: Mediterranean Diet as Brain Food.
Known for its cancer-fighting and immune-boosting properties, the Mediterranean diet is rich in leafy green vegetables, fresh fruit, high-fiber grains and beans, olive oil, and omega-3 fish. It promotes weight loss, heart health, and cancer prevention. The Greek habit of sharing small plates and savoring a bite of meat or fish with a bite of eggplant, beans or whole-grain bread also encourages diners to eat less. The combination of protein and complex carbohydrates creates a feeling of fullness and slows digestion so you feel full longer and are less likely to feel hungry between meals.
To learn more about the Mediterranean diet from the Mayo Clinic, click here. Then check back next time to learn about four additional healthy diet options.
The chefs at Kendal at Oberlin scour the world's cuisines for healthy recipes to tantalize our residents taste buds. Meals at Kendal at Oberlin always feature a selection of taste-tempting meals optimized to meet the nutritional needs of our residents and are also available to members of Kendal at Home, too. To learn more, contact us today.
