HY IT WORKS
he Med diet has been linked
well as ‘healthy ageing’. So it’s
no surprise that people in one of the five ‘Blue
Zones’ — Ikaria in Greece — have been following
this style of eating down the years.
One explanation for the Mediterranean diet’s
anti-ageing effect is that it protects against the
inflammation that accelerates the speed at which
your body’s telomeres start to lose their length.
Telomeres are protective ‘caps’ that sit on the
end of your chromosomes. Their robustness
directly influences how well your cells age
— and the longer your telomeres, the better.
The Mediterranean way of eating has been
shown to halve the risk of heart disease over
a 10–year period, and protect against the brain
shrinkage that commonly occurs with ageing.
How to do itBase your diet primarily on
plant-based foods, like whole grains, legumes,
nuts, and fruit and vegies.Also aim to eat fish and
chicken twice a week, while limiting red meat to a
few times a month. Replace butter with extra-virgin
olive oil, and salt with herbs and spices.
HY IT WORKS
ating with friends
helps you stay connected to
your social circle and tops up
your sense of wellbeing in later
life, according to a 2016 study.
It’s also a ‘Blue Zone’ feature.
US researchers say close
friendships, rather than close
family relationships, are a
stronger predictor of health
and happiness as we age.
“To pair socialising with a meal
is a great way to exercise your
brain too, because there are so
many different things you have
to focus on, from remembering
names, following a conversation,
through to making decisions
about food,” says Hobbins.imic the
Med’ dietine with
riendshfg FEATURES
24 healthyfoodguide.com.au
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