Health

Mediterranean diet and cardiodiabesity

There is a relatively new term called cardiodiabesity. It underlines the connection of cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, μεσογειακη διαιταabdominal obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension are some of the factors that connect them. Apart from highlighting this link, the term also indicates that each should be viewed in combination with the rest.

Early development, lifestyle and diabetes

As early as when we are in our mother’s womb, the conditions we are subjected to influence the risk we have of developing type II diabetes later in life. However that risk is also influenced by our lifestyle later on.

Spices and health

The benefits from consuming spices have been recorded in the past. For Asians and Caucasians eating red pepper limits the appetite which in turn limits energy intake thus reducing the risk of gaining weight. Spices may deter the development of bacteria and have been linked to a lower incidence of cancer.

Olive oil and cardiovascular health

Olive oil, an important component of the Mediterranean diet may have benefits for those at risk of developing some short of cardiovascular disease. Before we continue we should clarify the main types of olive oil consumed. Oil produced from pressing mature olives is called virgin olive oil. The best quality quantities of which comprise the extra virgin olive oil.

What whole grain foods are all about

Grains are plant predestined to be eaten. More specifically they are seeds of those plants. Their two main categories are whole grain and refined. The whole grain seed consists of three parts.