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What to know about the Mediterranean diet

For the seventh straight year, the Mediterranean diet has won the title of best overall diet in U.S. News and World Report’s annual ranking of best diets.

The diet is endorsed by the American Heart Association for its cardiovascular benefits. The diet was shown to reduce the risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth and stillbirth when followed in pregnancy, according to one study.

A study published in February in the journal JAMA Neurology found the popular diet may be one aspect in protecting the brain from signs of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia.

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes eating fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes, olive oil and flavorful herbs and spices; fish and seafood at least twice a week; and poultry, eggs, cheese and yogurt in moderation, according to U.S. News and World Report.

“Any plan that cuts out an entire food group or fruit or dairy for non-medical reasons is a red flag and it’s the reason the Mediterranean diet is always such a big winner,” Gretel Schueller, managing editor of U.S. News and World Report, previously told ABC News. “The Mediterranean diet is healthy, it’s sustainable, it’s a flavorful way to eat and it’s adaptable.”

If you’re looking to start the Mediterranean diet, here is what you need to know.

What is the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet is not one way of eating but a broad term used to describe the eating habits popularized in the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, including Italy, Greece, Morocco, Spain and Lebanon.

The way of eating focuses on the quality of foods consumed rather than focusing on a single nutrient or food group, according to U.S. News and World Report.

PHOTO: Vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, whole grains, fish and <a href=

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By Margaret R. McLean

Kirinyaga health officials on high alert following cholera outbreak

Health officials are on high alert following a cholera outbreak in Kirinyaga County.

Dr George Karoki, the county health executive, said seven cases have been detected this month in the Gacaru and Kwavii areas of Ndia constituency.

He said of the cases, one person has been treated and discharged while two others are in stable condition while undergoing treatment at Sagana Sub-county Hospital.

The other four are being monitored pending the results of their laboratory tests.

Dr Karoki noted that cases of cholera, a highly contagious disease, have been on the rise in many counties in recent times, requiring sustained public action to prevent and control the disease.

Following the outbreak, the county government has intensified campaigns against the spread of cholera.

The campaign includes community awareness through public barazas, health education in schools and the use of public address systems in urban centres and villages to share information.

The health executive said the campaign was a multi-agency initiative involving the national government and the Ministry of Education.

Decontaminating homesteads

Besides public health education, the department has also been decontaminating homesteads where cases have been reported.

“We are also providing aqua tabs to enable vulnerable households in the affected areas to treat their drinking water, while at the same time providing protective prophylaxis treatment to people who have been in close contact with cholera patients,” he said.

The CEC has also appealed to members of the public to ensure that they follow good hygiene practices such as washing hands with soap and running water, drinking treated or boiled water, eating well-cooked and hot food and disposing of faeces properly.

He also called on all food vendors to ensure that food is prepared