The ‘MediterAsian’ diet is the No. 1 way to ‘beat diseases and live longer’: Doctor and food scientist

As a doctor and food scientist, I’ve spend 20 years studying how our diets can help us beat diseases and live longer.

I’ve always taken a natural food-based approach, and much of my diet is inspired by two of the greatest food cultures in the world: Mediterranean and Asia. I call it the “MediterAsian” diet.

Both the Mediterranean region and Asia have areas known as Blue Zones, where people age better, live longer, and are overall healthier.

Here are the five staples of MediterAsian eating that can beat diseases and keep your body from aging fast:

Broccoli: Broccoli is potent in sulforaphane, which protects stem cells, improves gut health and metabolism, and amplifies immune responses.

Soy: Soy is eaten as a bean, made into tofu, fermented, and can even be transformed into wine. It has been associated with lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease by 20% and diabetes by 23%.

Carrots: An ancient root vegetable that originated in Southwest Asia, carrots are a good source of dietary fiber for gut health. A half cup of grated carrot has 2 grams of fiber.

Mushrooms: Mushrooms contain a soluble fiber called beta-D-glucan, which stimulates defenses to grow new blood vessels needed for wound healing. At the same time, it can prevent harmful blood vessels from feeding cancers.

White beans: Beans are a nutritious food that can help reduce cardiovascular risk factors by lowering blood cholesterol levels. They also contain valuable nutrients like iron, zinc, magnesium and folate.

Lentils: Lentils are a classic legume in Mediterranean cuisine. A half cup of dry lentils contains 18 grams of fiber, which is more than half of the recommended daily intake for men and women.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO): EVOO is the most desirable form of olive oil. The “extra virgin” refers to oil that is not refined, and as a result, contains tiny bits of ripe olives. The oil and bits are the source of potent polyphenols that activate health defenses.

When I buy EVOO, I scan the label on the bottle to identify which olive varietals were used. Many are made from a variety of olives, which can taste very nice, but I prefer monovarietal oil, which is less likely to be diluted with cheaper oils.

Apple cider vinegar: Studies have found that the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar reduces body fat, improves insulin sensitivity, and lowers blood sugar.

Fermented bean paste: Stroll through the middle aisles of any Asian grocery store, and you’ll see many kinds of fermented bean paste. Made from fermented soy, they contain bioactives that fight fat cells.

Salmon: Salmon is high in omega-3s, which get absorbed into fat cells and are metabolized. Then they create proteins that are released like cellular firefighters into the surrounding fat mass to extinguish the inflammation caused by fat.

Roe: If you’re exploring unique tastes, you must try the roe (eggs) of certain seafoods. Roe is naturally packed with omega-3s, so it takes remarkably little to get a major dose of healthy fats.

Sardine: Sardines are a time-honored seafood of the Mediterranean. They contain bioactives that can improve metabolism and lower blood cholesterol.

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