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Mediterranean diet prevents the development of pancreatitis
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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In the fifties of the last century, the term "Mediterranean diet" became popular among nutritionists, which denoted not so much the diet itself, but the lifestyle and nutrition system inherent in the inhabitants of the Mediterranean. This diet became very popular after researchers noticed a pattern between the fact that residents of Southern Europe eat much more natural fats than, for example, residents of the United States, but look much better and slimmer.
Recent studies by scientists at the University of Granada (Spain) have found that in addition to the overall positive effect on the body, the diet of Mediterranean residents prevents inflammation of the pancreas. Olive oil, fatty fresh fish and vegetables have a calming effect on complex inflammatory processes that can lead to pancreatitis.
The Mediterranean diet can be considered a preventative for inflammation of the pancreas. Antioxidants, animal protein, and fatty acids, which are abundant in the Mediterranean diet, reduce the risk of inflammation in the body.
More than 50 years ago, scientists proved that the diet that residents of countries on the Mediterranean coast involuntarily adhere to has a beneficial effect on the health of the body. Such nutrition reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by more than 30%, the likelihood of malignant cancerous tumors is reduced, blood pressure is normalized, and the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease becomes virtually illusory.
This effect is undoubtedly caused by a special diet, which, due to climatic and territorial features, is typical for residents of coastal countries. The main products that can be distinguished in the Mediterranean diet are the following: - vegetable oil (mainly cold or hot-pressed olive oil) - used for dressing vegetable and cheese salads and baking hot dishes. - a large number of fresh and grilled vegetables. - complex carbohydrates, which are preferably consumed in the morning (cereals, baked goods made from whole grain flour). - regular consumption of lean meat and fish in small quantities. Red meat is consumed much less often, about 1-2 times a month. Poultry and eggs are consumed almost daily. - natural yoghurts, sour milk, low-fat brine cheeses are eaten daily by Mediterranean residents in salads and as an independent food.
After numerous studies have proven the undoubted benefits of the Mediterranean style of nutrition, nutritionists have repeatedly tried to create a diet that will contain the necessary products and help both lose weight and put the internal organs in order, especially the pancreas. Systematic experiments have shown that it is impossible to isolate some components (such as fatty fish or feta cheese with vegetables) and combine them for short-term use, as is practiced in dietetics. In order for the Mediterranean diet to be effective, it must become a way of life, a system by which the body will be fed only useful substances every day.
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