What exactly is the Mediterranean diet, and why is it said to be so effective for weight loss?
The Mediterranean diet focuses on olive oil, vegetables, and fish. Rather than simply restricting calories, the key is consuming high-quality fats and ample dietary fiber. Unsaturated fatty acids from olive oil reduce vascular inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity, which optimizes energy metabolism and makes it naturally easier to lose weight by 'switching on' the body's metabolic processes.
Many people make the mistake of eating only chicken breast and sweet potatoes during a diet, which often leads to exhaustion and a lack of vitality. The charm of the Mediterranean diet is that it isn't about starvation, but rather providing the body with high-quality fuel that can be sustained long-term.
From a modern medical perspective, the omega-9 fatty acids in olive oil reduce systemic inflammation and stabilize blood glucose levels. When insulin resistance is lowered, the body transitions into a state where it can burn fat much more efficiently.
In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this process is viewed as clearing 'Dam-eum' (痰飮, accumulated phlegm-fluid) and 'Eo-hyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis). Dam-eum refers to abnormal waste products stagnating in the body, while Eo-hyeol refers to turbid or stagnant blood. Fresh vegetables and healthy oils act to push these waste products out, preventing them from adhering to blood vessels and tissues.
However, for those with a 'Bi-heo' (脾虛, Spleen Deficiency) constitution—characterized by weak digestive capacity—suddenly consuming large amounts of raw vegetables or oils may cause bloating. Forcing this diet when the digestive system is compromised can lead to a depletion of Qi and dizziness.
Therefore, the most important factor is 'customized application' based on your current physical state. I recommend we discuss how to integrate the Mediterranean diet in a way that harmonizes with your specific constitution and digestive strength.
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