Many people around the world are trying to lose belly fat through a variety of methods, from intense exercise to surgery. Still, what they need most is careful food choices and determination to achieve their goals.
according to new york postrecent research suggests that the Atlantic Diet, a traditional eating plan from northwestern Spain and Portugal, can help improve HDL cholesterol levels and achieve a leaner, healthier body.
The diet mainly includes fish, seafood, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, olive oil, dried fruit, milk, cheese, and moderate meat intake.
Research published in Jama network open From March 2014 to May 2015, they surveyed more than 200 families in A Estrada, Spain, with 121 families advised to follow an Atlantic diet and 110 families continuing with their normal diet as a control group.
Researchers collected participants’ dietary intake, physical activity, drug use, and other variables.
They also measured waist circumference, triglyceride levels, HDL cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and fasting blood sugar levels (five components of metabolic syndrome, a group of diseases that increase the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke).
Of the 457 people who did not have metabolic syndrome at the start of the study, 23 developed metabolic syndrome during the 6-month follow-up. These patients included 6 who switched to an Atlantic diet and 17 who continued with their regular diet.
Meanwhile, of the 117 participants who met criteria for metabolic syndrome at the start of the study, 18 on the Atlantic diet and 16 in the control group shed the label.
The researchers reported that the Atlantic diet “did not significantly affect hypertension, high triglyceride levels, or high fasting serum glucose levels,” but did improve waist circumference and HDL cholesterol levels.
“The Atlantic Diet has great potential for improving health because of its focus on nutritious foods and family-centered eating habits,” said Michelle Ruthenstein, RD. health line.
“By prioritizing healthy ingredients and traditional cooking methods such as stewing, this diet increases the bioavailability of nutrients, allowing your body to better absorb and utilize them,” she says. added.
Another study in 2021 found that higher adherence to the Atlantic diet was consistently associated with lower risk of death.