The twelve fundamental dimensions of a high quality Indo-Mediterranean diet

Abstract

High-quality Indo-Mediterranean foods are characterised with unrefined, unprocessed foods, whole grains such as dry millets and beans and porridge. Vegetables such as leaves and gourds, nuts and fruits such as apples, grapes, papaya, guava, etc are major components of this diet. It seems that healthy vegetable oils such as olive, mustard, rape seed oil and protein sources that are beneficial; beans, pulses, cottage cheese are crucial in this diet. Among animal sources, white meats; such as sea foods should also be part of this diet. Vegetables and spices with medicinal properties; gourds, turmeric, fenugreek, coriander and cumin may also be called high quality nutraceutical foods, respectively. There is a need to find out traditional foods from all other countries which may be protective and healthy. There is evidence that calories have tremendous role in weight gain and weight loss. It seems that emphasis on food quality is crucial for prevention of oxidative stress and inflammation in the adipocytes, which predispose obesity and risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes. There are gaps in knowledge about the qualities of traditional foods, which prompt authors to present this communication.

Association between dietary protein intake, diet quality and diversity, and obesity among women of reproductive age in Kersa, Ethiopia

“…A diet consisting of lower-quality foods, such as highly processed snacks, sugary drinks, white grains, refined sugar, fried foods, foods high in unhealthy fats, and high-glycemic foods like potatoes can lead to weight gain, obesity and other chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, heart diseases, and stroke ( 2–4 ). Conversely, high-quality foods consist of unrefined, minimally processed options like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, pulses, healthy vegetable and seed oils, healthy fats, and healthy sources of plant and animal proteins ( 3 , 5 ). Consuming high-quality foods in appropriate portions helps in maintaining good health and attaining an ideal body weight without obesity, while also reducing inflammation within the body ( 3 , 6 ).…”