Doctors recommend Mediterranean diet for kids to improve heart health

Doctors are not just recommending the Mediterranean diet for adults anymore, they are now touting its benefits for kids as well. The Mediterranean diet, known for its heart-boosting and diabetes-busting qualities, has been proven to improve heart health in children as young as 3 years old, according to new research from JAMA Network.

Over an eight-week period, researchers tracked children who were served meals consisting of whole grains, olive oil, eggs, and legumes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The results showed that the children’s cholesterol levels lowered and their overall heart health improved.

Dr. Christina Brown, a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente, emphasizes the importance of involving children in healthy meal planning. She encourages parents to allow their kids to help make the grocery list and to avoid fast food or prepackaged snacks.

The research supports the idea of starting healthy eating habits, such as the Mediterranean diet, early in life to prevent obesity and metabolic disorders that can lead to serious health issues in adulthood. Dr. Brown advises starting these habits as early as infancy or toddlerhood to set children up for a lifetime of good health.

So, if you want to keep your family healthy, consider incorporating the Mediterranean diet into your meal planning and get your kids involved in making nutritious choices. It’s never too early to start eating right for a healthy heart.