Do you want to combat overweight and obesity? This increasingly common problem brings with it a series of health conditions that can negatively affect your quality of life. In this article we tell you how the Mediterranean diet can combat insulin resistance, a precursor factor to diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

What is the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet is characterized by an abundant consumption of plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains. It emphasizes the use of extra virgin olive oil as the main source of fat, and a moderate intake of animal proteins, prioritizing fish, eggs and low-fat dairy products.

In particular, the Mediterranean diet has been positioned as a key dietary pattern to combat insulin resistance. This condition is due to the fact that the body's cells do not respond adequately to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps cells absorb glucose from the blood. When there is insulin resistance, the body needs more of this hormone to make the cells absorb the same amount of glucose. But what does the Mediterranean diet have that makes it so special in this regard?

The connection between the Mediterranean diet and insulin resistance

The recent study ““The Mediterranean Diet: Effects on Insulin Resistance and Secretion in Individuals with Overweight or Obesity” analyzed 62 overweight and obese individuals to investigate the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and insulin resistance. The results were surprising: those with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet showed lower insulin resistance compared to other groups.

Furthermore, those who consumed fish, a key component of the Mediterranean diet, had lower insulin resistance.

What does this mean to you?

These findings underscore the importance of adopting healthy eating habits to combat disease. The Mediterranean diet, with its emphasis on fresh, natural foods and, in particular, fish, can be a powerful tool in the fight against insulin resistance and, by extension, type 2 diabetes.

For those looking to improve their health and prevent diseases related to overweight and obesity, considering incorporating elements of the Mediterranean diet into their daily diet can be an excellent starting point.

In our Oorenji Basic app, you will find recipes and tips based on the Mediterranean diet to help you incorporate these healthy habits into your daily life.Download the app and start your journey to a healthier life!

Source: “The Mediterranean Diet: Effects on Insulin Resistance and Secretion in Individuals with Overweight or Obesity.” Claudia Vetrani, Ludovica Verde, Annamaria Colao, Luigi Barrea, Luigi Barrea and Giovanna Muscogiuri. Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/21/4524