The average life expectancy of Estonians is 74.4 years for men and 82.8 years for women, and the years lived in good health are 55.5 for men and 59.5 for women. At the same time, people in Spain, Malta, Cyprus, and other Mediterranean countries live longer and healthier. We are behind them by up to ten years of healthy life. Why is that?
In Estonia, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the main cause of work incapacity and death for those under 65. Over 80,000 new cases of CVD are registered annually in Estonia. CVD includes conditions such as stroke, heart attack, hypertension, which may also be accompanied by other diseases (diabetes, obesity, etc.).
CVD prevention can extend life expectancy and add healthy years. This has been demonstrated by the results of many Mediterranean countries. A large amount of scientific evidence has shown that diet is the most effective factor in preventing CVD deaths and helps add healthy years. From this, we can conclude that most CVD diseases are ‘eaten’ into us.
What are we doing wrong?
Our main problem is that our diet is quite monotonous due to the fast pace of life. We use many ready-made meals and excessive salt. We often forget to eat fruits and vegetables and fish. Excessive alcohol also does its part. An unbalanced diet leads to weight problems. Overweight, lack of exercise, stress, alcohol, and bad fats begin to raise cholesterol and blood pressure, and more serious problems do not take long to appear.
Why do people in Mediterranean countries live longer and healthier?
The eating habits of people there are characterized by keywords: minimally processed, seasonal, and plant-based. The most important foods are olives and olive oil, followed by fruits, vegetables, and seafood. They consume little red meat and avoid sweet yogurts. Their diet also includes quality red wine, but only in small amounts and as part of a meal. However, it should not be forgotten that any amount of alcohol damages the liver. This eating style is also known as the Mediterranean diet. It has been valued so much that in 2010, UNESCO recognized it as part of humanity’s cultural heritage. It is not just health-supporting eating but a holistic lifestyle that also includes human relationships and physical activity.
Where lies the secret?
The explanation is simple: quality cold-pressed olive oil contains strong antioxidants, including oleuropein, which helps restore the natural elasticity of blood vessels and reduce inflammation, as well as lower blood pressure. Olive oil is considered the best fat in the world. Red wine also contains many antioxidants that prevent bad cholesterol from sticking and penetrating the blood vessel walls.
So what is the result of living like the people in Mediterranean countries? Based on various clinical studies, it can reduce cardiovascular diseases by 30-40%. Professor Margus Viigimaa has also stated that the Mediterranean lifestyle is the gold standard for heart health!
Is the Mediterranean diet possible in Estonia?
It is also possible in Estonia to get the best part of the Mediterranean diet and live longer and healthier. Fresh olives are hard to find here, and not everyone likes them, and not all olive oils are of high quality. We also know that any amount of alcohol affects our health, especially the liver. Perhaps we also lack consistency and willpower at times.
So what should we do? Fortunately, there is a convenient and effective solution: Cardioza Forte. This tablet contains the antioxidants necessary for the Mediterranean diet – both oleuropein and red wine extract. By taking it, we can avoid alcohol to protect the liver but still benefit from the useful substances in red wine. As an added benefit, it also contains hawthorn for heart support, magnesium and B-vitamins for the nervous system, and valerian for stress relief.
By making the right food and lifestyle choices and taking Cardioza Forte, we can live longer and, most importantly – HEALTHIER, just like people in Mediterranean countries.
