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How the Spanish healthy eating habits could add years to your life

If you are heading to Tenerife this summer, you should take home our healthy eating habits
More than half of UK holidaymakers visiting Tenerife say healthier food is high on their list of holiday must-haves. Two-thirds admitted to putting on weight during their trip to Tenerife, with 5 per cent boarding the plane home up to a stone heavier.

You can lose weight on a Tenerife holiday - if you chose the right food.

Adopt the habits back home and you could significantly improve your health. Scientists have been studying the benefits of the Mediterranean diet since the 1950s, when research suggested that the diet and lifestyle of those living in countries such as Italy, Spain and Greece could be adding to their life expectancy.

The traditional diet is based around starchy carbohydrates such as pasta, rice, potatoes and bread; beans and pulses; fish; and fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, courgettes and peppers, which grow plentifully in the warmer climates.

Generally, vegetables and fruits are low in energy and are good sources of fibre, vitamins, minerals and other bioactive micro constituents. Antioxidants are involved in DNA repair and cell maintenance and they specifically protect DNA and cell membranes against oxidative damage, including that induced by carcinogenic agents. It is therefore biologically plausible that diets rich in antioxidants protect against cancer, says the World Cancer Research Fund.

According to the charity's report, "Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: a global perspective" the fibres found in vegetables and fruits may also protect against cancer.

It is thought that diets high in vegetables and fruits protect against excessive weight gain, which is a risk factor for cancer. The WCRF states that eating a diet that is rich in plant-based foods, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk of cancer by up to 40 per cent.
So, which foods should you look for in Tenerife?

Tenerife Rice

A good source of starchy carbohydrate, there are many different dishes that use rice so getting bored will not be a problem. Paella typically has meat or seafood in it as well as rice and vegetables, which is a good combination. It is often served in restaurants as a dish for two or more people so beware of portion sizes.

Tenerife Fish and Shellfish

A good choice of protein, as it is filling and low in fat. There are many fish stew dishes to choose from, or just enjoy it grilled or baked.

Tenerife Tapas

This can be a good or a bad choice depending on the selection. Be careful not to over-order and then feel obliged to eat it all. Choose a mixture of vegetable, fish and meat dishes, and try not to order too many things that are fried, such as calamares or patatas bravas, because this will push up the calories.

Tenerife Tortilla

A potato omelette, also on the tapas menu. Eat it with a salad.

See also: Tenerife Health and Safety