Shana Spence, RD, wrote at Self.com:

The Mediterranean eating regimen is consistently lauded within the diet world—the truth is, U.S. Information has named it the “greatest eating regimen general” for 5 years straight—however as a registered dietitian, I believe it’s time to consider it just a little otherwise: It’s time to dethrone the Mediterranean eating regimen as being the perfect technique to eat.

Now, the Mediterranean eating regimen—which emphasizes entire grains and plant meals reminiscent of fruits, greens, legumes, tree nuts, seeds, and olives, and limits crimson meat, sugar, and saturated fats—isn’t the one culturally primarily based means of consuming that’s been celebrated. The Japanese eating regimen, wealthy in meals reminiscent of seafood, steamed rice, tofu, natto, seaweed, and pickled vegatables and fruits, has been promoted for its longevity-promoting elements as properly. However as scrolling by means of social media and even many information and well being web sites will present, it nonetheless doesn’t come near the Mediterranean eating regimen when it comes to widespread recognition.

As an RD, I’ve seen an amazing perception in our society that consuming Mediterranean-style is simply the way in which to go. So in case your cultural meals don’t hail from one of many international locations that make up that space, how does this make you are feeling?

Spoiler: Most likely not so good—and that’s why I imagine we have to rethink how we speak about cultural meals and methods of consuming.

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I’m a Mediterranean eating regimen advocate. There are different wholesome methods of consuming. I’m an advocate of free speech and open debate. No censorship right here! Learn it and see what you assume. I’m unsure what the “Japanese eating regimen” is. I’ve written good issues in regards to the Okinawan eating regimen as mentioned in Dan Buettner’s Blue Zones books. Click on for my assessment of Blue Zones.

Steve Parker, M.D.