1. It helps fight obesity
A recent study carried out by professionals at the Catalan Health Institute (Institut Català de la Salut, the ICS) has proven that following a Mediterranean diet can reduce the tendency of children aged between 3 and 7 years old to be overweight by 6.3 points. Before taking part in the programme, 83.7% of those studied said they ate one piece of fruit per day, but this figure rose to 90.6% when the study finished, while consumption of nuts rose from 23.8% to 43.3%.

2. It reduces diabetes
This diet is rich in fruit, vegetables and seasonal produce. This makes it perfect for reducing diabetes. The University of Valencia (UV) states that the Mediterranean diet is much more than a simple diet, and that it actually encompasses an entire lifestyle. This is thanks to a low-fat diet that involves, along with whole grains, fish and the use of olive oil and herbs instead of butter and salt for cooking and accompanying diverse ingredients.

3. It helps fight cardiovascular diseases
This diet helps to reduce cardiovascular diseases. According to the Mediterranean Diet Foundation, consumption of oily fish once or twice a week, at minimum, is extremely healthy as these fish have fats similar to plant-based fats, which protect against heart disease.

The Mediterranean diet is also rich in fruit, vegetables and leafy greens. You should eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. This provides a high amount of antioxidants and fibre, two factors that also help prevent these diseases.
4. It’s good for the memory
Many doctors and several studies state that the Mediterranean diet improves cognitive function.

The foods that enhance the memory and that form a part of the Mediterranean diet are nuts (which contain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) and oily fish (which contain many vitamins and minerals, in addition to omega-3).

Fruit also provides vitamin C, while green-leafed vegetables contain lots of antioxidants, which are good for the brain.

5. It reduces the risk of suffering bone fractures
Greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet is linked to a lower risk of hip fractures. This is owed to the great supply of calcium offered by this diet, among other reasons.