The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is an eating plan that places emphasis on the consumption of healthy fats, fruits, whole grains, vegetables and fish. People who follow this diet are encouraged to limit red meat, sweets. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains should be eaten at every meal. Fish and other types of seafood should be eaten at least twice a week. Poultry, eggs and dairy products should be eaten in small portions, daily or weekly. Additionally, people are also encouraged to have an occasional glass of wine. Numerous studies have confirmed that an occasional glass of wine can reduce the risk of heart disease.

It is also important for people to make sure that they are cooking healthy when they are following this diet. Dieters should use olive oil instead of margarine or butter. Margarine and butter are high in saturated fat, which is a type of unhealthy fat. Olive oil is high in high in monounsaturated fat, which is a good type of fat.

As the name suggests, the Mediterranean diet closely resembles eating patterns of people who live in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. Researchers have studied this diet for several years and have found that it offers several health benefits. There was a study done that involved 1.5 million adults. The results of the study were that the adults who followed this diet had a decreased risk of developing heart disease, cancer, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s. Researchers believe that high amount of healthy fats in this diet help improve overall health.