Mediterranean Diet
It’s worth taking a look at the Mediterranean Diet – not just for its health benefits, but for the economic advantages as well. A recent report in BMJ (that’s what they call themselves. They used to be the British Medical Journal, but they got modern) seems to confirm that this type of diet, heavy on fruits, vegetables, fish and with lots of olive oil, beans and whole grain cereals, reduces the risk of heart disease, Parkinsons and Alezheimer’s Diseases and cancer, certainly as compared with the American diet of red meat and saturated fat.
What seems important is that the Mediterranean Diet not only keep you healthy, which reduces drug costs, but it’s relatively inexpensive, so that it reduces food costs as well. Lots of people, when they try to economize, opt for low cost foods, which means more starch and saturated fats. Yes, fish can cost more than beef, but that’s a matter of shopping – and there are plenty of low cost fish available. Vegetables and beans are relatively inexpensive, and cheap olive oil has the same health benefits as the expensive stuff. Meanwhile, the Mediterranean Diet can reduce cholesterol and blood sugars, and may lead to weight loss, which is also very beneficial for type 2 diabetes. One of the best ways to cut back on drug costs is simply to stay healthy, and the proper diet can do that. But – keep in mind that in this context “diet” doesn’t mean “lose a size by Christmas” – it’s a lifelong commitment. It might be a good idea to check some cookbooks out of the library.
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/337/sep11_2/a1344?fmr