The Mediterranean diet is touted as one of the best ways to reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. It also has been shown to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and promote longer life.
But while this way of eating is associated with great health benefits, it’s not without its drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons to consider before going on the Mediterranean diet.
Pro: You’ll Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
The Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits and vegetables, which have been linked to heart health, a reduced risk of certain types of cancer (like breast cancer), better cognitive function, and healthier skin.
- Pro: You’ll Eat Less Processed Food
- Processed foods have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity — so it’s no surprise that cutting down on them can be beneficial for your health. The Mediterranean diet recommends that you get most of your calories from whole foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes (like beans), nuts, fish, eggs, poultry (like chicken), whole grains like barley or brown rice, and dairy products like cheese and yogurt.
- Con: The first potential downside of the Mediterranean diet is that it requires a high consumption of fruits and vegetables. And eating fresh produce can be expensive. Some fruits, nuts and vegetables are costly, especially if they’re not in-season or grown locally.
- Con: A second potential drawback is that the Mediterranean diet can be challenging to follow for some people. It requires a lot of time and preparation to cook meals from scratch — something that can be difficult for busy families or individuals who don’t enjoy cooking.
