The Mediterranean diet plan is basically based on the diet plan followed by the people of Greece and Italy in the 1960s. The diet primarily consists of food items predominantly eaten by natives from that region such as generous helpings of fruits, vegetables, pasta, and rice and a limited quantity of red meat. There are alleged reports that swear by this diet plan’s ability to help one reduce weight,  prevent strokes, type 2 diabetes, premature death, and heart attacks. There is no such exact diet plan because around the Mediterranean Sea, there are many countries and the people of those countries have a diverse palate influenced by indigenous produce and their culture. In this article, you will get dishes and foods that you can include in your Mediterranean diet menu in order to make it healthier. The basics of a Mediterranean diet Here are some of the some of the basic foods that you should include in your Mediterranean diet menu: Foods you must eat regularly: Vegetables, legumes, bread, whole grains, extra virgin olive oil, fruits & nuts, fish and seafood, seeds, herbs, and spices Foods to eat in moderation: Eggs, cheese, poultry, and yogurt. Foods to eat rarely: Red Meat Foods to be avoided: Sugary dishes, added sugars, refined grains, processed meat, and refined oils Food items you need to abstain from while on the diet: These are some of the unhealthy foods that you should not have in your Mediterranean diet menu: Added sugar: Candies, soda, ice cream, and other related sugary foods Refined grains: Pasta prepared with refined wheat and white bread Refined oils: Canola oil, soybean oil, and cottonseed oil Trans fats: Margarine and other processed foods Processed meats: Sausages and hot dogs, among others Food items that should be included in the Mediterranean diet: There is no exact definition of what a Mediterranean diet comprises since the region is made up of different countries that have varying culinary preferences.

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that not only support your immune system but are also responsible for nutrient absorption. Probiotics play a major role in keeping your digestive system healthy and fit. Here is a list of the benefits that you can get by adding the most effective probiotics to your daily diet. Reduced flu and cold Healthier skin Weight loss Healing from IBD and leaky gut Improved digestion Stronger immune system Increased energy According to the medical experts, consuming probiotic-rich food can help in preventing many infections and dealing with several health issues. Here is a list of some of the most effective probiotics containing foods and dishes that you can enjoy in your daily diet. Kefir It is a fermented probiotic dairy product that is made by combining kefir grains in milk. Kefir contains strains of friendly yeast and bacteria, making it rich in probiotics that ensure several health benefits. Different medical study reports have reflected the fact that kefir helps in protecting against infections and also helps in getting rid of various digestive problems. If you are lactose intolerant, you can add kefir to your diet without inviting any further health issues. Yogurt It is one of the most effective probiotics that contain friendly bacteria. Yogurt not only helps in improving bone health but also helps in keeping people who are suffering from high blood pressure in good health. Even if you are lactose intolerant, yogurt is good for your health. Sometimes, children suffer from diarrhea caused by antibiotics. This yogurt can help in reducing diarrhea. Also, the symptoms of the irritable bowel syndrome are reduced by yogurt. However, every form of yogurt does not comprise live probiotics; hence, you should choose such yogurts that contain active probiotics. Kimchi It is a popular spicy side dish from Korea, usually prepared from fermented cabbage.

The body requires large amounts of protein as it is a macronutrient. Once it is absorbed into the body via digestion, protein is broken down into several amino acids. These amino acids are then built into a new set of proteins which aid in building muscles and making red blood cells, as well as helping out with other bodily functions. Consumption of protein items is crucial after exercise for a gym enthusiast as it helps the muscles grow and recover. It is no coincidence that more and more bodybuilders are taking protein in some form or the other. While getting protein through solid food is the best practice, it is not often as effective as taking assortments of protein-enriched substances like cereals, oatmeal or protein shakes. Listed below are a few benefits of protein shakes and a few of the best protein drinks in the market today. Benefits of protein diet shakes Apart from the fact that protein diet shakes are easy to make, there is a reason why they are so popular among bodybuilders. As mentioned above, protein is used to help muscles grow and recover. It also helps manufacture nucleic acids, cellular messengers, enzymes, hormones, and immune-system components. Without proteins, our bodies will be unable to create the structures needed to make cells, tissues, and organs. The muscles will not heal as quickly as they should if there is a low intake of protein. Bodybuilders prefer protein diet shakes because they are a quick option to prepare. Other people may make use of protein diet shakes for the same reason. You may be someone who works hard from 9-5 and preparing a meal to meet your protein intake requirement might prove to be quite the task. Preparing protein diet shakes however is fuss-free and easy, to say the least.

Your eyes and vision are affected by many factors, including genetics and age. If you want to maintain healthy eyes with great eyesight, you need supplements for eye health. Besides, a balanced diet also plays an important role in attaining good eyesight as it contains antioxidant-rich foods that can help in attaining a great eye health. Taking supplements for eye health for improving your vision is a great idea, especially during your old age. Age-related diseases are the leading cause of vision loss in the country. According to research statistics, there some great supplements that cure the diseases of the eyes and also help in attaining good eye health. The supplements that are best for eye health consist of various vitamins as well as many minerals that show a lasting effect on the general health of people as well. Vitamins and other supplements for eye health Most of these vitamins and nutrients often play the main role in reducing inflammation including chronic and age-related eye problems: Zinc: It is one of the powerful supplements for eye health that protects against cell damage. Zinc is a basic mineral present in all eye treatment formulations. It is necessary for a healthy immune system as well. It has been best known for healing inflammation in chronic diseases and also prevents triggering of new inflammatory processes. Vitamin B Complex: Vitamin B is essential for the health of your eyes. There are proofs that show how this vitamin may decrease the risk of getting a cataract in your eyes. Besides, it reduces inflammation. Furthermore, inflammatory eye conditions can lead to blindness, and hence, it is a very essential supplement for eye health. Omega-3 fatty acid: A basic diet does not have enough omega-3 fatty acids. The main source of this essential vitamin is fish that delivers huge quantities of fatty acids.

Most men, as they age, experience problems with their prostate gland. Although the prostate is one of the smallest glands in the body, it can cause huge problems. Almost all men are at a risk of developing prostate gland issues at later stages of their lives. Most common issues with the prostate gland are benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, and prostatitis. The prostate gland is of the size of a walnut and is located just below the bladder in men. This gland grows as men age. When the prostate is enlarged beyond normal, it starts creating problems. Common issues due to an enlarged prostate are frequent urination, difficulty in urination, and the feeling of incomplete urination. When the prostate gland is infected (prostatitis), symptoms like fever, pelvic pain, and cloudy urine may be experienced. Taking prostate supplements is one of the ways of preventing prostate problems. However, clear evidence of the effectiveness of supplements is yet to be established. Read on to know the top prostate supplements that can help men with prostate issues. Role of Prostate Supplements Prostate supplements are useful in shrinking the size of the prostate. Some physicians recommend prostate supplements for maintaining optimal health. The top prostate supplements nourish the prostate with the nutrients necessary for proper functioning and healing. Prostate supplements are known to provide symptomatic relief from BPH and prostatitis. The urine flow can be improved and the frequency of urination can be reduced. Some supplements can even reduce the growth of the gland and improve erectile function. Top Prostate Supplements Identifying the top prostate supplements can be quite challenging. It is almost like taking a shot in the dark. Most of the times, one needs to rely on feedback from those who have used it. There are certain supplements that are absolutely needed for the proper functioning and healing of the prostate gland.

Diabetes is a deadly and life-long persisting disease that impacts the way in which your body deals with glucose intake. It can be the cause of various other diseases and thus must be addressed at the initial stage. The most common type of diabetes is type 2 and it affects nearly 27 million people in the country. In this type of diabetes, the body becomes incapable to break down the sugar intake and store the glucose in the body properly, thus making it important to abide by the type 2 diabetes diet specifically designed by the physician. Although mostly found in people above the age of 40, there is an increase in the cases of type 2 diabetes among youngsters as well. Causes of type 2 diabetes Some primary causes of type 2 diabetes are as follows: Being overweight Genetic history Lack of physical activities Malfunctioning of the pancreas or liver Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes Some of the common symptoms of type 2 diabetes that should not be ignored are as follows: A perpetual feeling of being thirsty Recurrent urge to urinate Hazy vision Bad temper Difficulty in the healing of wounds Extreme and impenetrable tiredness Diet plan for type 2 diabetes – First step toward healthy living An important factor that can help you to control diabetes and keep your blood sugar level stable is following a proper diet. Therefore, while your doctor will give you oral medication, he will also specify a structured diet plan which you should not ignore at any cost. Following a healthy diet doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice all your favorite dishes. It basically comprises a wide range of starches, fibers, fats, and proteins. The challenge in deriving the right type 2 diabetes diet lies in creating a perfect blend of foods that will provide your body with all the necessities without an excess of a certain type of food to ensure that the sugar level is in control.

Recently, there has been a lot of hype on the role of probiotics in promoting health. Almost everyone with a digestive problem is prescribed probiotics. They are essentially bacteria which are good for your health. Probiotics contain good bacteria that are very similar to the bacteria found in the human gut. Certain types of bacteria like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria are present in the intestinal flora and the gut lining. The lower digestive tract is home to complex and varied strains of healthy bacteria that are more in number than the cells in one’s body. These healthy bacteria help with digestion of food and also enhance immunity against infections. What are probiotics made of? They are foods that contain bacterial strains having similar properties as the healthy bacteria present in the intestinal lining. FDA regulations treat probiotics as foods and not medications. Probiotic foods Infection of the intestinal tract or consumption of an unhealthy diet that destroys healthy bacteria in the gut generates more “bad” bacteria than “good” bacteria. This imbalance may lead to weight gain, diarrhea, constipation, and other chronic health conditions. Probiotics are prescribed to restore the balance. Popular natural foods containing probiotics are as follows: Certain yogurts Yogurt is the most popular source of probiotics. Yogurt is known to ease out lactose intolerance. Other digestive issues like diarrhea, gastric trouble, and constipation can be eased out by consuming yogurt. Some types of cheese Fermented cheese like Gouda is loaded with probiotics. Compared with other types of cheese, Gouda cheese is robust enough to retain probiotics all through the journey from the stomach to intestines. Sourdough bread This bread packs consist of probiotics that enhance digestion. Sauerkraut The unpasteurized type of sauerkraut is the best way to retain good bacteria in sauerkraut. Pasteurization process kills the good bacteria, hence, unpasteurized sauerkraut is the best source of probiotics.

If you have a low libido, then there is nothing to worry about as it is commonly experienced by many. Throughout our lives, we all go through phases where our libido is just low, and it can be due to different reasons such as hormonal changes, stress, substances, and alcohol. The best libido enhancers are available in the form of supplements that you can use. Listed below are the top 10 supplements that will help you to boost libido. Vitamin E If you lack interest in sex, then vitamin E supplements are one of the b est libido enhancers you can come across . It increases the testosterone in the body, which is very helpful in raising desire and increasing stamina. It is also known to increase the sperm count and motility among men. An increase in the testosterone level will help a lot in oxygenation of the body as well as improve the blood flow. Polyphenols A key factor behind increasing the sex drive is being in the state of mind for it. Polyphenols are found in the berries, red wine, and grapes, and the substances that have dark pigment. According to studies, women who drank red wine regularly reported higher sex drive along with vaginal lubrication as compared to those who do not. Polyphenols essentially help in improving the blood flow and circulation and are among the best libido enhancers. The contents of the supplement help in creating a good mood and increased drive. Omega 3 Omega 3 is very effective in decreasing anxiety as well as depression. This means that if these are decreased then your desire might be increased. Omega 3 fatty acids increase the dopamine levels too. It not only improves your mood but also leads to arousal. These are found in flaxseeds as well as oily fish.

If you have diabetes, probably need to take special care of what you eat and drink. You need to keep a check on your carbohydrate consumption too as it can have an impact on your blood sugar levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes patients should only drink low-calorie or zero-calorie drinks to prevent sudden spikes in the blood sugar levels. Therefore, selecting the right beverage can help you manage your condition as well as avoid unpleasant side effects. Besides, low-calorie drinks are beneficial in maintaining a healthy weight, which is extremely important for people who have diabetes. Given below is a list of top ten drinks for diabetes that are not only healthy but also make for a delicious treat. Top ten drinks for diabetes People with diabetes should drink adequate amounts of water. With zero calories, carbs, and sugar, water can satiate your thirst without harming your body in any way. It can also help in keeping your blood sugar levels in control as drinking water can help eliminate excess glucose from the body via urine. It is advisable to consume 8-10 glasses of water every day. However, many people don’t prefer drinking water because of its tastelessness. Luckily, there are quite a few tastier options available. People with diabetes can prepare or get these refreshing drinks. These delicious treats fit into their diet perfectly and help to gratify any cravings. Let’s take a look at some of these beverages. Chamomile tea With plenty of antioxidants and zero calories, chamomile tea is perhaps one of the best drinks for diabetes. This tea offers a plethora of health benefits. It helps to lower the blood sugar levels as well as prevents various medical complications such as kidney disease, damage to the nerves and circulatory system, and blindness. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a great ingredient that helps in controlling blood sugar levels.