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People are constantly searching for diet ideas to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Vegetarian is a popular choice for many, and one composed of authentic Mediterranean food is proving to be just as beneficial. According to the staff at Shahrazad Mediterranean Restaurant in Manchester, MO, Mediterranean food has a number of advantages, and since much of it is vegetable based, it’s perfect for vegetarians. If you’re looking for new foods, consider the benefits of authentic Mediterranean food.

3 Benefits of a Vegetarian & Mediterranean Diet

1. Low Processed Sugar

Processed sugar has a number of harmful effects on the body that can cause serious health issues, like diabetes and obesity. Vegetarian and authentic Mediterranean food mostly includes natural sugars, which provide energy and are often found in nutrient-rich foods. A variety of vegetables and beans include natural sugar, as well as fresh fruits, honey, and other healthier sweeteners.

2. Heart Health

authentic-mediterranean-food-shahrazad-mediterranean-restaurantA major point of the vegetarian diet is that it doesn’t include potentially harmful processed ingredients, fatty meats, and sodium-heavy foods that contribute to cardiovascular disease.  Mediterranean food has similar effects; many of these are rich in omega-3 and monosaturated fats, such as tuna and herring, which have been proven to increase heart health. Studies show that olive oil also has several benefits, especially for decreasing high blood pressure and improving artery health.

3. Mental Health

Authentic Mediterranean food also has cognitive benefits, as studies have found that there’s a general connection between the diet and preserving brain health. However, this exact link hasn’t yet been defined. In study populations, a Mediterranean diet has shown to better prevent and manage neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Also, removing processed and sugar-heavy foods will reduce stress, as the effects they have on insulin spikes have shown to increase stress and worsen mental health disorders.

For a true taste of authentic Mediterranean food, stop by Shahrazad Mediterranean Restaurant. They have a delicious selection of Arabic food, Jordanian food, Lebanese food, and more, and have happily catered to diners for over 20 years. Call (636) 527-4000 today to schedule a reservation and visit their website and Facebook page to explore their menu.

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