I want to know who the PR person is for the Mediterranean Diet. It is everywhere! Anything I’ve read in the past two months about healthy eating or effective diets has been singing the praises of the Mediterranean Diet.
On the theory that where there’s smoke there’s fire, I decided to take a second look.
Basically, it is a diet based on the cooking and eating styles of Italy, particularly the coastal areas, Greece, Spain, Crete and a dozen other Mediterranean countries. The diet consists of olive oil, nuts, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains. Fish, wine, eggs, poultry, cheese and yogurt are consumed in moderation. Very little red meat is eaten. The generous use of olive oil is a signature of the Mediterranean Diet. Other beneficial aspects of the Mediterranean Diet are small portions, an emphasis on fresh foods and the consumption of a balanced selection of ingredients.
Small
Portions
Here are the benefits:
- Unlike many diets, it does not forbid any food group
- It is low in saturated fat and therefore heart-healthy
- It decreases blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels
- A recent study in Spain found that eating a Mediterranean Diet decreased the risk of depression by 30%.www.webmd.com
- It may help prevent macular degeneration because of the amount of fish and vegetables in the diet
- A new study showed that eating Mediterranean may help cut your chances of Alzheimer’s disease by 40%.www.webmd.com
The ideal of the Mediterranean Diet includes positive lifestyle choices – incorporating exercise (primarily walking), spending time outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.
For more information and some recipes go to www.webmd.com.
For details about the Mediterranean Diet food pyramid and a list of foods go to www.oldwayspt.org.
Harvard Mediterranean Food Pyramid
For a starter cookbook try Simple Mediterranean Cookery by Claudia Roden. $38.62.
Figs are on the list, filled with nutrients, vitamins, fiber, and delicious flavor.
