Dining out or ordering in is often seen as an unhealthy option, especially when the food is comforting and delicious. Just because eating out is delicious and convenient doesn’t always have to negatively impact your health.
In some cases of eating out, your dish could actually be healthy for your heart and overall health.
That’s exactly what you can expect when you order a deliciously crafted meal with natural ingredients from Cafesano Italian & Mediterranean Bistro in Dulles Town Center.
Inspired by old-world style Italian cooking and Mediterranean traditions, Cafesano’s talented chefs prepare heart-healthy and delicious meals for our patrons in the area.
Combining fruitful and comforting flavors along with the incredible health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, choosing to dine at Cafesano is choosing a heart-healthy meal that your body and family will thank you for.
What is the Mediterranean Diet?
The Mediterranean diet is considered to be one of the healthiest diets in the world. Originating from the Mediterranean part of the world, including Greece, Italy, Spain, Lebanon, and Egypt, the diet is full of essential nutrients and delicious food groups.
You may be familiar with the infamous Blue Zones, or specific areas in the world where it isn’t uncommon for people to live to be over 100 years old and in great health. Two out of the five original Blue Zones are in the Mediterranean: Sardinia, Italy, and Ikaria, Greece.
One of the major factors of the incredible longevity in these areas is due to the Mediterranean diet.
The Mediterranean diet is a mostly plant-based diet, focusing on including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, seeds, low-fat cheeses, wine, and olive oil.
It limits the consumption of red meat, fatty cheeses, and processed foods.
Some typical dishes that abide by the rules of the Mediterranean diet include baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, Greek salad, and pasta dishes.
It’s also a great diet for vegetarians and pescatarians to follow, thanks to the protein found in fish, whole grains, and legumes.
Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet for Your Heart
Now that you’re thinking about all of the delicious Mediterranean meals you can enjoy at Cafesano let’s dive into the heart health benefits each dish can provide.
Reduced Risk of Heart Attack
In a study conducted on over 7,000 participants at risk of cardiovascular issues, there was a 30% decrease in the chances of heart attacks, strokes, and death when they followed the Mediterranean diet.
The abundant portions of healthy fat from olive oil and nuts played a crucial role in the results of healthy hearts.
In many modern diets, people are afraid to consume foods that have a high-fat content, such as olive oil and handfuls of nuts. But the Mediterranean diet removes this fear with the astounding impact on heart health.
Prevents Heart Disease
Additionally, for those who are at risk of developing heart disease, especially if it runs in the family, the Mediterranean diet can prevent it from developing.
Consuming plentiful servings of fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and legumes can positively impact your heart function. A healthy heart means better overall health and keeps you feeling great!
Even better news; the Mediterranean diet encourages you to enjoy a glass of red wine with a meal. That glass of wine contains antioxidants that can help prevent coronary heart disease (CHD) from developing.
More Effective – and Enjoyable – Than a Low-Fat Diet
When people think about diets, they often imagine themselves feeling hungry and unsatisfied, making sacrifices for their health.
This is often common when people try low-fat diets to improve their heart health. But the good news is that the Mediterranean diet, which is full of healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, is more effective at preventing cardiovascular incidents than a low-fat diet.
Consuming four tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and a handful of nuts daily, along with fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, is much better for your heart health than limiting yourself to eating low-fat foods.
Fill Your Heart with Good Nutrients and Great Memories
Going out to eat or ordering in from your favorite restaurant is about more than just making sure your stomach is satisfied with delicious food. It’s about spending time with friends and family while making good memories.
When you visit Cafesano’s locations, embellished with rustic Mediterranean interiors and elegant place settings, you create memories. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, engagement, promotion, or simply catching up with an old friend, Cafesano’s Mediterranean cuisine fills your heart with healthy nutrients and great memories with loved ones.
Don’t let ordering takeout for a movie night with your loved one make you feel guilty. Cafesano’s Mediterranean-inspired meals are heart-healthy and made from farm-fresh ingredients.
Say goodbye to the stigma that eating out is unhealthy. Cafesano cares about your health and your taste buds!
Choose the Heart Healthy Option with Cafesano Italian & Mediterranean Bistro
Satisfy your craving for a warm dish of spaghetti and meatballs or the crisp crunch of a Geek salad, and come visit us at Cafesano Italian & Mediterranean Bistro in Dulles Town Center.
Don’t have time to sit down for a meal in our beautiful dining room or open terrace? We’ve got you covered with quick and easy takeout for you to enjoy a high-quality meal in the comfort of your home after a long day at work.
Speaking of work, you can also enjoy our heart-healthy meal options at your next corporate event with our outstanding catering services.
At Cafesano, we’ve got it all: good food, friendly staff, convenient ordering options, and, of course, heart-healthy meals.