With a plethora of dietary fads competing for your attention, the world of healthy eating may be very confusing. The Mediterranean and Atlantic diets are two well-liked choices that provide a tasty and maybe advantageous nutritional strategy. However, given their similarities, picking the best one can be challenging. We’ll walk you through the main distinctions between these diets so you can choose the one that will work best for your health objectives.
The less well-known relative of Mediterranean eating, the Atlantic diet, is quickly gaining traction due to research showing its benefits in lowering the risk of metabolic syndrome. According to the most recent study, which was published in the journal JAMA Network Open, diet followers had a lower risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which is characterised by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, excessive body fat, and hypertension.
A plant-based diet that includes healthy fats from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and dairy products is the main focus of the Mediterranean diet. In contrast, a higher amount of fresh seafood, potatoes, and some red meat are found in Atlantic cuisine, which is influenced by coastal regions. It’s omega-3 fatty acids are mostly sourced from seafood. The Mediterranean diet emphasises moderate use of red wine, whereas the Atlantic diet does not. The quantity of omega-3 fatty acids in the Atlantic diet may make it perfect. Both diets can help with weight control, but the Mediterranean diet may be more effective for weight loss due to it’s plant-based emphasis.
Don’t feel confined to a single strategy. You can try mixing and matching components of the two diets to get a customised strategy that suits you. Recall that working with a qualified dietitian or other healthcare provider can assist you in creating a plan that specifically meets your needs.
(The author, G. Sushma, is a clinical dietician at CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.)
