Why the Mediterranean diet is perfect

September 3, 2023
by RJ Hamster

This week: Why the Mediterranean diet is the healthiest eating plan; the power of Omega-3s; your health is written on your face; how dog kisses can make you sick; the world’s deadliest mushroom; what you need to know about magnesium supplements.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JAD DAVENPORT, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

The Mediterranean diet has stood the test of time for a reason: It works

It’s easy to follow, is balanced and flexible, and helps prevent chronic diseases that shorten our lives: “It has worked for generations, and it works for lifetimes.” Here’s the lowdown on why it’s so good for you, how it keeps you healthy, and how to follow it.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIKA LARSEN, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Omega-3 fatty acids are more critical for your health than we thought

A new study shows that the nutrients found in walnuts, seeds, and certain types of seafood can reduce inflammation and improve declining lung function.

INFLAMMATION FIGHTER

PHOTOGRAPH BY BECKY HALE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Seeds are a nutritional powerhouse. Which ones are best for you?

Seeds are a great source of fiber, unsaturated fats, vitamins, and minerals. But they’re not all created equal. See how experts rank the top edible seeds.

7 SEEDS, RANKED

How to eat well:

•

How much protein do you actually need? Consider these factors.

•

‘Brain food’ is real. Here’s what to eat to keep it healthy and strong.

•

What is your ‘food clock’? These 4 tips can improve how you eat

IMAGE BY JING-DONG JACKIE HAN, PEKING UNIVERSITY

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ FROM THE ARCHIVES‌ ‌ ‌

How old are you, really? The answer is written on your face.

Influenced by everything from your environment to your diet and exercise habits, your biological age reflects the health of your cells and organs and can differ from your actual age by years. A new tool that calculates that number “could be a wake-up call.”

CALCULATING YOUR BIOLOGICAL AGE

HOW TO KEEP YOUR MIND SHARP: Here’s what science recommends to prevent age-related memory loss +

PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBERT CLARK, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

What’s in your dog’s mouth? A host of pathogens that can make you sick—or worse

Our skin and immune systems normally stand between us and our pets’ germs—but those systems can be breached, with deadly consequences. Here’s a look at the bacterial species living in pet saliva—and what a single lick can leave behind.

WHAT’S IN EACH ‘KISS’

A CURE FOR AGING IN DOGS? A drug to reverse aging in Fido could lead to one for humans, too +

WHY ‘VEGAN’ CAN BE A TURN-OFF

PHOTOGRAPH BY AMY LOMBARD/THE NEW YORK TIMES/REDUX

If a food is better for your health—and better for the planet—would you reject it in favor of something you know is bad for you? A recent experiment found people were more likely to do just that—if the healthy option happened to be labeled “vegan.” The reasons are rooted in psychology.

AN ANTI-VEGAN BIAS?

WHAT EXACTLY IS LAB-GROWN-MEAT? Here’s how the ‘sausage’ is made +

THIS MUSHROOM WILL KILL YOU

PHOTOGRAPH BY YVES LANCEAU/NATURE PICTURE LIBRARY

The death cap mushroom originated in the U.K. and parts of Ireland—but over the past century, it has hitchhiked across the world, including to North America. Don’t let their innocuous appearance fool you: They are the world’s most lethal mushroom, accounting for 90 percent of the mushroom-related fatalities that occur every year.

CAN YOU SPOT A DEATH CAP?

THE NEXT PANDEMIC? Humans are not prepared for a pandemic caused by fungal infections +

DON’T LET THE SUN FRY YOUR EYES

PHOTOGRAPH BY JENN EMERLING, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

The eyes’ retinas don’t have any pain receptors, so people often have no idea if they are staring at the sun long enough to do damage. In fact, many don’t realize what’s happened until hours afterward or even the next day. The truth is that sun damage to the eyes can happen in mere minutes. Here’s how to protect yourself.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR EYES

SUNSCREEN FAQ: Does sunscreen expire? How much SPF is enough? Your burning questions, answered +

READ MORE TOP STORIES FROM NAT GEO

PHOTOGRAPH BY SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Magnesium plays an important role in the body, and getting enough can help with muscle cramps, migraines, blood pressure, osteoporosis, and potentially even lower the risks of bone fractures, heart disease, and stroke. But it’s not a miracle mineral. Here’s what the experts say about magnesium’s powers, especially for anxiety and sleep.

WHAT MAGNESIUM CAN AND CAN’T DO

Alcohol is killing more women than ever before

Cougars are ambushing and killing wolves—and no one knows why

These photos show something never seen before: chimps treating their wounds with insects

The race to kill the spotted lanternfly—before it gets to a town near you

This book vanished when Anne Boleyn was executed. Now it reveals her secrets.

Murder, mutiny, slavery: ‘World’s worst shipwreck’ was bloodier than we thought

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HEADLINE WEALTH

RJ Hamster

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Why the Mediterranean diet is perfect

Why the Mediterranean diet is perfect

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