The Mediterranean Diet
Posted on | April 2, 2009 |
As you know, The Mediterranean Sea is located in Europe, with at least 16 different countries that border it. That being said, what IS the Mediterranean diet? Honestly, there is no ONE true Mediterranean diet. With all the different countries bordering this body of water, the diets vary from region to region, and country to country. Differences in culture, ethnic background, religion, economy, and agricultural growth factor into these diverse diets which is how one country distinguishes them self from the next. What is common between these diets is:
• olive oil is an important monounsaturated fat source
• wine is consumed in low to moderate amounts high consumption of fruits, vegetables, bread and other cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds
• dairy products, fish and poultry are consumed in low to moderate amounts
• little red meat is eaten
• eggs are consumed no more than four times a week
With the Mediterranean diet, more than half the fat calories come from monounsaturated fats, mainly from olive oil. This way, the blood cholesterol levels don’t raise the traditional way that saturated fat cause them to. The incidence of heart disease in Mediterranean countries is lower than in the United States. Death rates are also lower, however, this isn’t just diet related. Another factor such as lifestyle plays a part as well.
There are so many diets that people try and it never seems to work for them. With the consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish and poultry, beans, nuts, etc, you should be able to live a healthier life with this stricter way of eating and the addition of a steady regime of exercise.
Tags: dairy > fruits and vegetables > heart disease > Mediterranean Diet > monounsaturated fats > olive oil > saturated fat
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