Nutritionists weigh in on pros and cons of viral Atlantic Diet

Atlantic Diet has qualified as the gold standard diet plan over the years. It is considered as a traditional diet in northwestern Spain and Portugal.

It can sometimes be identified as a diet that is similar to Mediterranean diet but with slightly different foods, including cod, red meat, and pork products.

However, when comparing the two, it’s important to note that Atlantic Diet is slightly better than Mediterranean as it also includes potatoes.

It has been supported by various health professionals and nutritionists due to its numerous benefits.

According to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, Atlantic diet reduces the risk of death from any cause.

In addition, people who followed this diet plan do not fall prey to health threats like cardiac arrest and cancer.

Guards against Metabolic Syndrome

It also prevents from metabolic syndrome aka insulin resistance syndrome. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, this can be identified as a condition that inversely increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, among others.

Metabolic Syndrome could mean an individual might be faced with high blood pressure, blood sugars, cholesterol, and belly fat.

The Atlantic Diet ranges from fresh and minimally processed seasonal foods like vegetable, fruits, whole grains, beans, and olive oil to non-vegan foods, including cod, seafood, vegetable soups, potatoes, dried fruits, chestnuts, milk, cheese, as well as moderate amounts of red meat, pork, and wine.

According to Keri Gans, R.D, author of The Small Change Diet, the Atlantic diet plan “also encourages dining with family, going for daily walks, and being mindful while eating.”

Atlantic or Mediterranean: Which one is better?

The author spoke of the two diets, briefly explaining the similarities and differences between the two, adding: “The Atlantic diet is very similar to the Mediterranean diet except it focuses more on the culinary customs specific to northern Portugal and northwestern Spain.”

According to Jessica Cording, R.D., nutritionist and the author of The Little Book of Game-Changers, “For both, you’re looking at a lot of fish, veggies, legumes, and minimal processed foods.”

Speaking of the benefits that come with both diets, the nutritionist stated: “I wouldn’t say one is better than the other, as both recommend plenty of antioxidant-rich plant-based foods, such as nuts, legumes, fruit, and veggies, as well as seafood, healthy mono-unsaturated fats, and minimally processed foods,” she says. “They both promote a lifestyle, not a strict diet plan.”

Is Atlantic Diet a game-changer?

Nutritionists applaud the foods in the Atlantic Diet, however, it is still not considered perfect.

Although this diet plan involves plenty of fibre as well as healthy fats, red meat and alcohol could lead to potential health threats like cancer.

Cording admitted that “People will need to be mindful of limiting their intake of those.”

In order to conclude however, Atlantic Diet is a healthy plan as cording classifies it as a “good choice,” adding: “There aren’t any major red flags or big cons, it just may come with a learning curve for some people.”