Health
Mediterranean Diet Prolongs Life
Medical research keeps piling up in favor of the "Mediterranean diet" and its effect on general health and longevity.
British researchers now say Albanians, much like their neighbors in Italy and Greece, benefit from the diet rich in vegetables, fruits and olive oil in warding off disease.
Scientists looked at population and death statistics from Albania and reported their findings in The Lancet medical journal. They found that the Mediterranean diet "or its elements have repeatedly been shown to provide remarkable protection against chronic diseases.
Albanian women have a life expectancy of 74.2 years and the rate for men is 67.8 years -- among Europe's highest, researchers say. Earlier studies have linked the Mediterranean diet to high longevity rates found among Greeks and Italians.
The regional diet differs from that found in Northern Europe in its dependence on vegetables, olive oil and fruits. Researchers say those living further north have a diet more dependent on butters, animal-based oils and red meat.
British researchers now say Albanians, much like their neighbors in Italy and Greece, benefit from the diet rich in vegetables, fruits and olive oil in warding off disease.
Scientists looked at population and death statistics from Albania and reported their findings in The Lancet medical journal. They found that the Mediterranean diet "or its elements have repeatedly been shown to provide remarkable protection against chronic diseases.
Albanian women have a life expectancy of 74.2 years and the rate for men is 67.8 years -- among Europe's highest, researchers say. Earlier studies have linked the Mediterranean diet to high longevity rates found among Greeks and Italians.
The regional diet differs from that found in Northern Europe in its dependence on vegetables, olive oil and fruits. Researchers say those living further north have a diet more dependent on butters, animal-based oils and red meat.
