The Atlantic Diet: The Benefits Of Galician Cuisine
The cuisine and diet are conditioned by the products of each area and its climate. In this sense, the so-called Atlantic diet, a term coined in the 90s, refers to the eating style shared by the areas surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean in countries such as Portugal, Spain, France and England.
Likewise, it is important to mention that, although the eating style is shared, in the preparation of meals the prevailing climate has a great influence. Therefore, in cold areas more peas or hot dishes are prepared, and in warmer areas simpler and fresher dishes are prepared.
The Atlantic diet: Galician cuisine
The Atlantic diet contains all the necessary ingredients for a healthy diet. Far from what one might think at first, this diet has accompanied the lifestyle of some countries such as Portugal, France, England and Spain (specifically Galicia, Cantabria and the Basque Country) for centuries.
In addition to the benefits of Galician products, already known to the Celts, Romans or early medieval pilgrims, there have been added the traces left by all the peoples that have been arriving in these lands, and the inheritances received from the American shore of this ocean. . In this way, the bases of the so-called Atlantic diet are constituted.
Characteristics of the Atlantic Diet: what foods does it include?
According to the Decalogue of the Atlantic Diet that emerged from the II International Congress of the Atlantic Diet in 2006, the characteristics of this form of diet are as follows:
- High intake of fish (sea and river) and shellfish (molluscs and crustaceans) that constitute the great current natural reserve of the Atlantic.
- Consumption of plant foods in abundance, such as cereals, potatoes and legumes.
- High intake of fruits, vegetables and nuts.
- Use of olive oil as the main culinary fat, especially as a raw dressing.
- Daily consumption of dairy products.
- Intake of meats, especially pork and, to a lesser extent, lean beef.
- Water consumption as a drink of excellence.
- Taste for simplicity in food preparation, where steamed preparations, cooking, baking, grilling or stewing predominate.
- Enjoy meals keeping traditional foods, with minimal industrial process.
- Daily physical activity, as it is as important as eating properly.
Atlantic diet: essential nutrients for the body
Considering the above, Galician cuisine is healthy, functional and bioactive because the foods that compose it are a source of health-protective nutrients. Like the Mediterranean diet, this diet is characterized by providing the following:
- Omega 3, contained in fish, seeds, nuts.
- Omega 9, present in olive oil.
- Vitamins and minerals, which include fruits, vegetables and vegetables.
- Polyphenols, antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E present in grains, oils, and seeds.
- Dietary fiber, present in whole grains, legumes, seeds, fruits.
Benefits of Galician cuisine
By means of the nutrients it contains, this diet prevents the appearance of some common diseases and, in addition, improves the conditions produced by an inadequate diet. Thanks to it, benefits such as those discussed below are obtained:
- Improved gastrointestinal transit.
- Regulation of blood glucose levels.
- Prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
- Preventing the diabetes.
- Reduction of the risk of aging.
- Improvement of the balance of the intestinal microbiota. In addition, the consumption of fermented milk is associated with a series of health benefits by providing microorganisms capable of improving its balance.
Along with this, a beneficial genetic profile and a healthy lifestyle based on daily physical activity contribute to a high quality of life.
What should be clear about Galician cuisine?
The foods that Galician cuisine includes are natural, little processed and with cooking methods that do not damage or modify the composition of its nutrients.
In this sense , the benefits of it are due, above all, to a high intake of fish and shellfish, olive oil, vegetables, legumes, vegetables and fruits. These foods contain an important source of essential nutrients for the body.
The Atlantic diet integrates one of the best healthy eating options, capable of preventing metabolic diseases and other non-communicable diseases. However, as always, it is advisable to consult with the nutritionist before implementing it.
