6 Healthy Mediterranean Foods for Women

The Mediterranean diet was named the Best Diet Overall for 2019 by U.S. News.
The diet has been shown to promote weight loss, and help prevent cancer and heart disease, among other illnesses.

The diet focuses on healthy fats, vegetables, fruits, and nuts, and allows fish, poultry, and dairy sparingly.
Sure, you heard in 2019—but the Mediterranean Diet is jumping into the spotlight for 2020.

For the first time, the Mediterranean diet landed in the number one spot on U.S. News’ ranking of Best Diets (in 2018, it was tied with the DASH diet for the number one spot).

But it's not like the Mediterranean Diet is anything new—it's been around since the 1960s, and you've likely heard alllll about its health benefits: longevity, weight loss, disease prevention. And more importantly, the diet is super-easy to follow (and stick with!) long-term. Here's everything else you need to know about the Mediterranean diet.

Here are 6 healthy Mediterranean foods for women. Incorporating them into a smart eating plan will offer a range of health benefits.

1. Berries: strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, etc. Their anti-cancer nutrients protect the body with anthocyans, which plays a role in cell repair. They maintain healthy vision and combat skin aging. High in vitamin C and folic acid, it’s essential to women in their child bearing years. Cranberries reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.

2. Beans: Considered a protein rich super food strong in protein and fiber. Lentils, in particular, have a proactive effect in breast cancer prevention. Legumes, such as peas, are said to fight cardiovascular disease.

3. Vitamin D low fat milk and orange juice: These liquids are instrumental in the fight against osteoporosis. They are also considered vital in reducing the possibility of everything from diabetes to multiple sclerosis, and tumors of the colon, breast, and ovary.

4. Low fat yogurt: Filled with probiotics, which inhibits pathogens and toxin producing bacteria. Potentially reduces irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory digest tract disorder. Yogurt is effective in combating vaginal infections and stomach ulcers.

5. Salmon, sardines, mackerel: Omega-3 fatty acids are vital to the health of cell membranes. They helps fight heart disease, stroke, hypertension and illnesses associated with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

6. Watermelon, red navel oranges and grapefruit, tomatoes: These contain lycopene. It protects against prostate cancer. Recent research shows it may keep one looking younger, fighting UV exposure that damages skin.

So if you're looking for a new diet for 2020—one that won't just help you lose weight but will also slash your risk of illness and improve your mind—the Mediterranean diet is worth checking out.