Chef Carmelo is currently in Beijing spreading the news of ChefMéd and the importance of a Mediterranean diet. This is part of the project to put ChefMéd on the international stage. One of the best things about this project is that the evidence for Mediterranean diet is both really robust and very helpful. As part of the job The ChefMéd team spend a substantial amount of time following up research and making sure we keep ourselves honest.
With Carmelo in China, we looked into how we might help overcome one of the greatest challenges facing both the Chinese and the world: air pollution.
“In terms of health risks, there is accumulating research that air pollution causes both long-term and short-term risks, and children are considered more at long-term risk because their lungs are still developing.” (My Health, Beijing)
And from the Guardian: “Eating a Mediterranean diet may protect people from some of the harm of long-term exposure to air pollution, and reduce their risk of dying from heart attacks, stroke and other causes of death, according to new research presented at the International Conference.
"Studies have shown that dietary changes, particularly the addition of antioxidants, can blunt the adverse effects of exposure to high levels of air pollution over short time periods.”
“Rich in antioxidants, the Mediterranean diet favours fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, olive oils, fish and poultry over red meat and processed foods. Antioxidants are molecules that disarm oxidized and highly reactive molecules, or free radicals, that are known to cause cell and tissue damage.”
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