The Mediterranean diet and its health benefits

The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a wide variety of natural foods from the geographical area that bathes the Mediterranean. Over the years this concept has gained even more notoriety than it already had, becoming a benchmark in healthy lifestyle.

Nowadays, eating habits can be influenced by the increasing appearance of fast-food establishments as well as diets and “miracle” products harmful to the body.

At AMA Residences we value the importance of the Mediterranean diet for our well-being and the easy access we have thanks to our geographical location.

Why following the Mediterranean diet is a healthy lifestyle

Its importance in health is not only based on the fact that it is a balanced diet with a variety of nutrients. In addition, its low content in fatty acids and high in complex carbohydrates, fiber and monounsaturated, highlights the great richness in antioxidant substances with which it counts.

The Mediterranean diet is composed of a great variety of fresh and seasonal vegetable elements that should be consumed in abundance: fruits, vegetables, legumes, mushrooms, nuts. It is advisable to consume cereals and dairy products daily; oily fish once or twice a week; seafood, poultry, eggs in moderation; and a smaller amount of red meat or sweets.

Main benefits

The Mediterranean diet provides a wide range of benefits that improve the health and well-being of those who follow it, such as:

– Decreased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and degenerative diseases.
-Protects the body from atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
-Contributes to a varied diet.
-Avoids the consumption of industrialized foods.
-Provides a large amount of vitamins and minerals.
-Increases HDL cholesterol (beneficial for health).
-Increases the antioxidant capacity of the organism.
– Increases the levels of vitamin C, E, beta-carotene and polyphenols in the blood.
– Lowers blood pressure levels, because it has little sodium and is abundant in potassium and fiber.
– It helps the detoxification of substances in the liver.

What products of the Mediterranean diet can we find in Huelva?

Huelva has the perfect mix of location, climate and raw materials from its land and coast to be one of the main producers of the most essential products of this diet.

Olive oil from the province of Huelva

The great extension dedicated to the cultivation of olive trees has positioned Huelva as one of the great producers of the already known “liquid gold”. An example of this is the more than 8,200 tons produced last year.

Huelva’s red fruit cultivation

Huelva is one of the red fruit cultivation references par excellence, accounting for 96% of the overall Spanish production and the world’s largest exporter. This is due to the 250 hours of sunshine per month in Spring, the balance between night and day temperatures and the great fertility of the soil.

With more than 11,000 hectares, Huelva’s red fruits (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries) have contributed more than 500 million euros in production value.

The richness of the Huelva sea

Beyond the kilometers of Huelva’s coastline, Huelva has a great seafaring tradition that, for years, has served as the main sustenance of a province that has grown exponentially thanks to its environmental wealth.

Huelva’s fishing provides a wide variety of local products that can be enjoyed in every corner of the province. From the famous Huelva prawns, a worldwide reference, to sardines, cuttlefish, almadraba tuna, raya, coquinas… that make the gastronomy of the area one of the richest in our country.

The great treasure of Huelva, Iberian ham

The Iberian Ham is one of the most coveted gastronomic products. Its exquisiteness qualifies our gastronomy as one of the best in the world. And if that were not enough, the Mediterranean diet finds in acorn-fed Iberian ham one of its best heart-healthy allies.

Huelva is the Spanish province with the highest production of top quality pigs and Jabugo is known worldwide for being the cradle of Iberian ham.

Who doesn’t fancy a breakfast or a good sandwich of this delicious delicacy with a good Serrano bread from Andévalo or the Sierra?

Huelva, paradise for mycology lovers

During the autumn season more than 600 types of mushrooms can be found throughout the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche. Many of them can be toxic for human consumption, so their collection should be done only when you have the necessary knowledge.

Some of the most sought after mushrooms found among chestnut, oak and cork oak trees in the province of Huelva are: the tana, the gurumelo, chanterelles and boletus.

The delicious chickpea of Escacena and the “habas enzapatás”

Legumes are part of the Mediterranean diet and in Huelva we are fortunate to have chickpeas with I.G.P. creamy and of great finesse.

Chickpeas, like the rest of the legumes, are rich in vitamins and minerals, satiating as they provide slow absorption carbohydrates and are used to prepare an infinite number of dishes, both hot and cold: salads, hummus, stews…

Enzapatadas beans are typical of spring and combine two elements of the Mediterranean diet: vegetables and spices, with pennyroyal and fresh mint.

The perfect accompaniment, wine

Wine is another of Huelva’s products par excellence that make up the Mediterranean diet. Its appellation of origin Condado de Huelva encompasses 17 producing municipalities distinguishing between: Condado Pálido and Condado Viejo.

The great variety and quality has helped it to be one of the main destinations for wine tourism lovers.

Huelva is, without a doubt, one of the provinces with the greatest richness in its products. Proof of this is the great variety in its gastronomy with exquisite dishes made from fresh ingredients that make up the Mediterranean diet.

At Fandado, the Resort’s à la carte restaurant, you can taste a multitude of dishes based on the Mediterranean diet and seasonal and proximity or km 0 products such as a refreshing tomato carpaccio with cheese, capers and croutons or a delicious mojama with fried almonds.

Living at AMA Residences Andalucia allows you to access the best products to follow this healthy lifestyle and take advantage of the benefits for your health. In fact, every week a local supplier brings vegetables and fruits to the residents.

Get to know us and benefit from the advantages of living in a place where the sea, the land and the climate bring the perfect balance.