CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Increasing plant intake and adopting the Mediterranean diet could significantly reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, according to a study by the National Institutes of Health.
The diet, which emphasizes lean proteins like poultry and seafood, fresh fruits, beans, nuts, and whole grains, is a departure from the traditional American diet of burgers, fries, and processed foods.
Increasing plant intake and adopting the Mediterranean diet could significantly reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, according to a study by the National Institutes of Health. (WKRC)
Chef Yair Richler of Café Alma showcased this heart-healthy way of eating during a cooking demonstration for an event called “Breakfast for Dinner.”
Richler highlighted dishes such as shakshuka, a classic Mediterranean dish of poached eggs in tomato sauce, and poke bowls featuring winter root vegetables like beets and carrots. The study found that the Mediterranean diet reduced the risk of stroke, heart attack, or cardiac death by about 30% and future events by as much as 70%.
“We have something called a poke bowl and it’s winter now we’re talking about staying healthy, eating healthy so you can stay healthy – so get your veggies in. Especially root vegetables are so great right now in the winter, we have beets, steamed beets, carrots, edemame.”
Despite its benefits, only about one in ten Americans meet the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, while the Mediterranean diet includes nine to eleven servings.
Dining and Cooking