Whip up those gyros and fasoladas, as researchers from Ben-Gurion University in Israel have proven that Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets have lasting benefits.

According to MedicalNewsToday.com, the new findings were based on an update in the Dietary Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial (DIRECT), a 24-month workplace-based study involving 322 moderately obese participants who were assigned one of three kinds of diets provided in their office cafeterias: low-fat restricted calorie, Mediterranean, or low-carbohydrate non-restricted calorie. Data showed metabolic benefits of Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets, as well as a reduction of blood pressure and shrinking of the carotid vessel wall.

After six years, Dr. Dan Schwarzfuchs and his team revisited the DIRECT participants and saw that their lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglycerides, and arteriosclerosis) have improved in spite of the slight weight gain.

Doron Krakow of Ben-Gurion University says, “This breakthrough, even years later, continues to yield valuable information that can help every one of us make healthier diet choices.”

Don't worry; you don't need to change your diet and go full Mediterranean. What you can do is to research on the common ingredients of the cuisine which are available in your local supermarket and use them in your dishes. You can also experiment a bit to give your dishes personal touch. As long as your diet goes hand-and-hand with good exercise, you'll be able to stay fit and reap the benefits even years later.

(Photo by Quiet Quiet via Flickr Creative Commons)