Following the Mediterranean Diet Was a "Mistake"... There Was a Different Diet Better for Longevity

Good for Dieting and Colorectal Cancer Prevention

While Mediterranean diet restaurants are known for their health benefits, a claim has emerged that the French diet is actually better for longevity.

On the 11th (local time), the New York Post reported that Michael Aziz, an internist and regenerative medicine specialist, argued that "the French diet is better than the Mediterranean diet for maintaining slimness and longevity."

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Aziz stated, "The idea that the Mediterranean diet is ideal came from the Seven Countries Study, which showed that a diet low in saturated fat can prevent heart disease," adding, "This study selectively investigated only certain countries and conveniently excluded countries like France and Switzerland, which consume mainly saturated fats but have surprisingly low rates of heart disease."

He pointed out, "As a result, the public turned their backs on butter and cheese and adopted the Greek way, which was a mistake." Aziz acknowledged, "The Mediterranean diet is indeed good. It is rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, leading to about 7 to 11 servings a day," but he also noted, "The seven countries included in the study were mostly farmers who worked hard in the fields for hours to burn excess calories."

He emphasized, "The Mediterranean diet is not suitable for people who spend most of their time sitting and can lead to weight gain. For those wanting to lose weight, it can actually be a dangerous diet." In fact, the obesity rate in Greece ranks 43rd worldwide, while France ranks 143rd, known to have one of the lowest obesity rates globally.

Aziz explained that eating small amounts of food slowly helps digestion and leads to consuming fewer calories, but "the Mediterranean diet includes more olive oil, nuts, and whole grains, which can lead to overeating." He added that the French diet includes more high-fat dairy products like cheese and yogurt, which provide calcium and vitamin D, beneficial for health. Aziz also explained that this French diet reduces the risk of colorectal cancer, as calcium helps prevent it. He mentioned that in France, 22 out of 100,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, whereas in Greece, 149 out of 100,000 people receive such a diagnosis.

Furthermore, Aziz cited red wine as a reason why the French diet is beneficial. He explained that consuming a moderate amount of red wine with meals enhances polyphenol absorption, helps neutralize harmful reactive oxygen species in the body, prevents blood sugar spikes, and aids digestion.

Aziz said, "The French diet includes more high-quality meats rich in essential nutrients such as iron and vitamin B, including organ meats like liver. Including nutrient-rich meats in the diet helps prevent anemia and activates brain function," adding, "The Mediterranean diet includes more fish, which is rich in omega-3 but low in iron, potentially causing deficiencies in some people."

Aziz concluded, "The average life expectancy in France is 83.1 years, while in Greece it is 81.8 years. This shows that although French people consume more fatty foods, they remain slimmer and healthier," emphasizing, "The French diet is effective for longevity."