The New Braunfels Chiropractor to see - Chiropractor New Braunfels

The Mediterranean Diet

Diet and nutrition image.

Vegetarian? High carb? Low carb? Gluten-free? High protein? Seems wherever you turn, the latest diet is in the headlines. What’s the right choice for a would-be dieter or health-conscious eater?

One style of eating that is popular in the southern Mediterranean area, in countries such as Greece, Portugal, southern Italy, southern France and Spain, is appropriately named the “Mediterranean Diet.”

What’s so special about the Mediterranean Diet? Studies suggest that those who follow this diet receive the following health benefits:

  • Decreased risk for cardiovascular disease
  • Lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease
  • Higher life expectancy rate
  • Decreased risk for certain types of cancer

And even though as much as 40% of the daily caloric intake of this diet comes from eating fats, the type of fat that is consumed reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease. The reason? Olive oil. Olive oil is a major source of antioxidants and a monosaturated fat that does not raise cholesterol levels.

This diet is considered healthier than northern European and American diets because it relies heavily on the daily consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, cheese and yogurt. Fish, a major source of omega-3 fatty acids, is consumed several times a week and red meat is limited to once or twice a month.

Another factor is thought to be that those who reside in the Mediterranean region as well as other parts of Europe do not rely on cars as their basic means to travel. Thus they are more apt to walk and get sufficient exercise.

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Dr. Vanessa Asks some important questions of interest to New Braunfels residents - Chiropractor New Braunfels Dr. Vanessa Asks...

Why are some people allergic to pollen and others aren't?
It's not the pollen. Chiropractors know that if it were, everyone would be allergic to pollen, nuts and pet dander. But that's not the case. It's the person, not the pollen! If you live in New Braunfels and your stress levels are high, then each year the grass, the trees or the weeds put your nervous system over the top. Many report that chiropractic care helps reduce the frequency and severity of their allergic response.
What's the difference between a "good" drug and a "bad" drug?
As a chiropractor, I see the use of many drugs (legal or illegal) as merely symptom treating. Worse, virtually every drug produces unwanted effects. The effects of chiropractic are largely positive effects. If you're a New Braunfels parent, consider carefully before giving your child a cough medication, cold remedy or pain reliever so this sort of question doesn't arise in the first place.