Research is clear that consuming whole and minimally processed plant foods in place of refined carbohydrates, highly processed foods, and some of the usual animal proteins in your diet is good for overall health. For example, studies have shown that following a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern is associated with lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline. “Eating patterns vary among the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea,” says Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN, ‘The Plant-Powered Dietitian,’ “but they share key elements, like the use of whole grains, beans, lentils, vegetables and fruits, olives and olive oil, moderate wine, and low use of processed foods, with fish and seafood as the main animal protein.”
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