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In the mid 1950s the Mediterranean diet came to public attention with the revelation that the people of Greece, particularly Crete, had the longest life expectancy in the world. Research revealed the key aspects of the Mediterranean diet to be high consumption of the following: -
Cereals
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Grains
- Vegetables
- Dried beans
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Fresh herbs
- Seafood
- Fruit
Moderate consumption of:-
Wine
- Meat and poultry (with poultry more common than red meat)
And almost no consumption of animal fats such as:
Although the Mediterranean diet is approximately 10% higher in total fat than a typical western diet, Cretans and other Greeks are 20% less likely to die of coronary artery disease than Americans, and suffer 35% less cancer. So why is it so much healthier? The key elements seem to be:-
An average of nine servings a day of antioxidant-rich vegetables.
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Cold water fish eaten several times a week - these contain omega-3 oils, known to reduce heart disease and boost the immune system.
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Very little saturated fat (typically found in red meats and tropical oils) and trans fat. Also known as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil, these trans fats are found in most margarines, snack foods, and commercial baked goods, and are implicated in both weight gain and increased health risks.
- Increased consumption of olive oil. Olive oil helps lower harmful LDL cholesterol, and contains antioxidants that discourage artery clogging and chronic diseases, such as cancer.
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While there's no guarantee that eating this way will make you any slimmer, you will certainly be a lot healthier.
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