The Atlantic diet, which is considered to be the less well-known cousin of the Mediterranean diet, is rapidly gaining popularity as a result of a study that proved the benefits of the Atlantic diet for lowering the risk of metabolic syndrome.
The most recent study, which was published in the journal JAMA Network Open, discovered that individuals who adhered to the diet had a lower risk of developing metabolic syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by excessive adiposity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia.
What exactly does the term “Atlantic diet” mean?
A manner of eating that is influenced by the dietary patterns of people living along the Atlantic coast in countries such as Northwest Spain and northern Portugal is referred to as the Atlantic diet, as stated by Dr. Priyanka Rohatgi, who is the chief nutritionist at Apollo Hospitals. “It primarily consists of foods that are seasonal, sourced locally, fresh, and produced with minimal processing,” she explained.
According to Pooja Shah Bhave, a consultant clinical dietitian and certified diabetes educator from Mumbai, the Atlantic diet advocates consuming three to four portions of seafood and lean meat, olive oil, seasonal fruits and vegetables, healthy grains, and legumes on a weekly basis.
According to Bhave, the primary distinction between the Mediterranean diet and the Atlantic diet is that the Atlantic diet includes a greater quantity of vegetables belonging to the Brassica family. These vegetables include turnip greens, kale, cabbage, and cauliflower.
One further significant distinction is that the Mediterranean diet emphasized the consumption of pasta, whereas the Atlantic diet places a greater emphasis on starch-rich foods such as chestnuts, potatoes, and bread. On the other hand, Bhave stated that both diets encourage healthy cooking methods such as steaming and boiling rather than frying, as well as meals that are prepared at home.
To what extent does the Atlantic diet offer advantages?
The specialists believe that the diet has a great deal of positive effects on one’s health.
The Atlantic diet, which is abundant in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) from sources such as olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish, is beneficial to cardiovascular health because it minimizes inflammation and lowers the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.
Consumption of these heart-healthy fats on a regular basis may be associated with enhanced cardiovascular health and a lower risk of developing heart disease. Anti-inflammatory properties: The Atlantic diet contains a high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and omega-3 fatty acids, which confers anti-inflammatory advantages.
There is a possibility that the risk of developing chronic diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and osteoarthritis, can be reduced by consuming these nutrients since they help reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the body.
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in fatty fish, which is a mainstay in the Atlantic diet, have been associated with increased cognitive function and a lower risk of age-related cognitive decline, which includes Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This beneficial effect on brain health has been established.
When it comes to weight control, the Atlantic diet places an emphasis on whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats, whereas the Atlantic diet restricts the consumption of processed foods and refined carbs. It is possible that this well-rounded approach to diet can help with efforts to manage weight and it will also enhance overall well-being.
Consumption of antioxidants: The diet emphasizes the consumption of seasonal fruits and vegetables that are sourced locally. These fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. This helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases and supports healthy aging.
Increased digestive health: The Atlantic diet, which places a strong emphasis on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps to maintain digestive health, encourages regular bowel movements, and may lower the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses.
The Mediterranean diet, which is very similar to the Atlantic diet, has been shown to be connected with a longer lifespan and reduced mortality rates, according to research. This is because the Mediterranean diet is a cuisine that is comparable to the Atlantic diet.
In addition, Dr. Rohatgi noted that those who are at risk of developing chronic illnesses, athletes, and postmenopausal women can adopt this diet in order to reduce inflammation, maximize nutrition, and enhance immunity.
Since the Atlantic diet is based on traditional ethnic cuisine, it is more appealing as a way of life when it comes to eating than as a restricted regimen. She came to the conclusion that omnivores and vegans alike are able to modify meal plans that are in accordance with the characteristic components of this diet in order to achieve therapeutic or maintenance eating goals.
