The Atlantic diet refers the traditional eating habits of people in northwestern Spain and Portugal,[1] and focuses on unprocessed foods, vegetables and fruits, nuts, whole grain bread, fish, dairy, eggs, olive oil and some red meat and wine.[2][3] As both emphasize avoiding processed foods,[3] the Atlantic diet is similar to the Mediterranean diet.[4] The Atlantic diet involves more fish, milk, potatoes, bread, red meat and pork, while the Mediterranean diet has more pasta, beans and seeds, and greater emphasis on healthy fat from extra-virgin olive oil rather than fatty fish like mackerel, sardines and salmon.[5][6][7]

Polbo á feira with bread and wine
Caldo galego
Galician bread

Also known as the Galician Atlantic diet,[8] it is “more than a diet, it is a lifestyle where exercise, simple cooking techniques, respect for traditions, and pleasure of eating accompanied are constants.”[9]

Diet

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The Atlantic diet includes high consumption of fish, mollusks, crustaceans, vegetables, potatoes, bread, cereals, fruits, chestnuts, legumes, honey, whole nuts, and olive oil. The Atlantic diet allows for medium consumption of wine, milk, cheese, eggs, pork, and beef. In general, fatty meats, sweets, and soft drinks are consumed in small quantity or not at all.[10]

Health effects

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A JAMA study found that six months on the Atlantic diet resulted in a significantly decreased risk of developing metabolic syndrome,[11] which can can include obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, triglyceride or cholesterol levels, and lead to the development of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.[12][13] A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that the Atlantic diet, also known as Southern European Atlantic diet (SEAD), lowered depression risk.[14] A study in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that the Southern European Atlantic Diet lowered all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer death.[6]

References

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  1. ^ Rizzo, Natalie (February 12, 2024). "The Atlantic diet is the new rival to the Mediterranean diet. Which one is better for you?". Today.
  2. ^ Bee, Peta (16 February 2024). "The Atlantic diet — could this be the healthiest way to eat?". The Times.
  3. ^ a b McCarthy, Kelly (February 15, 2024). "What is the Atlantic diet? How a Spanish, Portuguese-inspired diet could reduce metabolic syndrome risk". ABC News.
  4. ^ LaMotte, Sandee (February 13, 2024). "A cousin to the Mediterranean diet: The Atlantic diet explained". CNN.
  5. ^ "Is the Atlantic diet the new Mediterranean miracle?". Longevity Technology. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Collins, Lois M. (February 14, 2024). "Is the Atlantic diet ready to challenge the Mediterranean for health honors?". Deseret News.
  7. ^ Amenabar, Teddy (February 19, 2024). "What's the Atlantic diet? A variation on Mediterranean eating shows benefits". Washington Post.
  8. ^ Leis Trabazo R, de Lamas Pérez C, Castro Pérez X, Solla P. Dieta atlántica. Nutrición y gastronomía en Galicia [Atlantic diet. Nutrition and gastronomy in Galicia]. Nutr Hosp. 2019 Jul 2;36(Spec No1):7-13. Spanish. doi: 10.20960/nh.02686. PMID: 31232586.
  9. ^ Leake, Lindsey (February 16, 2024). "Meet the Atlantic diet: The Mediterranean diet's neighbor—with an added benefit". Fortune.
  10. ^ Garone, Sarah. "Should You Try the Atlantic Diet? Here's What Experts Say About Its Health Benefits". Health.com.
  11. ^ Freeborn, Jessica (February 14, 2024). "Atlantic diet may help prevent metabolic syndrome". Medical News Today.
  12. ^ Cambeses-Franco, Cristina (February 7, 2024). "Traditional Atlantic Diet and Its Effect on Health and the Environment". JAMA Network Open.
  13. ^ Walrath-Holdridge, Mary (February 13, 2024). "Move over, Mediterranean diet. The Atlantic diet is here. Foods, health benefits, explained". USA TODAY.
  14. ^ Ortolá, Rosario (23 June 2023). "The Southern European Atlantic diet and depression risk: a European multicohort study". Nature. Molecular Psychiatry.
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