Wondering the differences between Mediterranean and paleo diets? Learn the basics you need to make informed choices about your meals.
January 4, 2024, Published at 10:57 AM ET
Main idea:
- The Mediterranean diet includes plant-based foods, olive oil and some seafood.
- According to the research, it is typically seen in daily diets in the Mediterranean region. Journal of Internal Medicine.
- The Paleo diet includes foods found in the Paleolithic era and focuses on lean meats, vegetables, fruits, and eggs. Nutrition Research Reviews.
- Overall, studies have found that plant-based diets are best for the environment.
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There are many diet structures that people use to achieve their nutritional goals, and it’s important to compare your options before starting something new. If you’re wondering about the benefits of the Mediterranean diet compared to the paleo diet, this guide will teach you the basics you need to make informed choices about your meals.
It is important to consult a doctor or nutritionist before starting a new diet or way of eating. What do you need and what health conditions do you want to avoid? If you keep your goals in mind and stick to your healthcare provider’s other health measures to ensure your health, you can easily plan your progress.
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What are the differences between the Mediterranean diet and the paleo diet?
Read on to understand the difference between these two diets. They may look similar, but it’s easy to tell them apart when you learn more about them.
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The Mediterranean diet is full of plant-based foods, eggs and dairy products.
The Mediterranean diet allows plant-based foods and some animal products, such as eggs, some dairy products, and some fish products. Followers can also enjoy starch-based vegetables like potatoes. People comparing the Mediterranean diet to paleo foods may start their research with the Mediterranean diet because it is a more modern way of eating.
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The Paleo diet was consumed by prehistoric humans.
The Paleolithic diet is a daily diet that includes foods only available to prehistoric humans during the Paleolithic era, researchers note. Cureus. It is very important to remember this detail when comparing the Mediterranean diet and the paleo diet.
People who eat paleo eat lean meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, eggs, nuts and seeds. As the same researchers note, processed foods, sugar, dairy products, starchy vegetables, and grains are banned because they were developed or became available later in human history. Cureus.
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Is the Mediterranean diet or the paleo diet healthier?
Depending on your health goals, the Mediterranean diet or paleo diet may be healthier for you. To compare the specific health benefits of the Mediterranean diet with the paleo diet, here’s the research behind both options.
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Research has found that the Mediterranean diet has several important health benefits.
Evidence Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health It shows that the Mediterranean diet has numerous health benefits, including:
- weight loss
- Lower levels of stress markers
- low blood pressure
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Research has found that if you’re at greater risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, or conditions associated with chronic high levels of stress, the Mediterranean diet may be healthier for you because it generally includes lots of plant foods.
However, the more fish, eggs, and dairy products you consume, the greater your risk of high cholesterol-related diseases. It is important to discuss with a healthcare professional how this diet will work for you.
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The paleo diet is generally pretty harsh on the planet.
Researchers Total Environmental Science It found that Paleolithic-inspired food choices are often high in cholesterol and fat and can lead to a higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. This makes sense, considering the diet’s focus on meat and other animal products.
This, of course, makes the paleo diet “an expensive and nutritionally inadequate diet with a high carbon footprint,” the researchers concluded.
A plant-based diet takes the best elements of the Mediterranean and paleo diets.
For people who care about personal and environmental health, deciding how to eat can be complicated. In general, various studies have found that in addition to providing people with all the nutrients they need, a vegan diet is best for the planet.
Consider your health goals to see which nutritional path will best meet your needs. Combining your nutritional and environmental interests can result in the most satisfying diet.