Wellness  

Eat Right With The Mediterranean Diet

By Stella Ibru

31 July 2017   |   2:24 pm

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The Mediterranean Diet is based on the cuisine of people from the Mediterranean region. Mediterranean food is healthy and people of this region have less heart disease and live longer than others. It has been discovered that people who live a traditional Mediterranean lifestyle have longer life expectancy and lower risk of heart disease and cancer.  Mediterranean food is…

Photo: Health Issues

The Mediterranean Diet is based on the cuisine of people from the Mediterranean region. Mediterranean food is healthy and people of this region have less heart disease and live longer than others. It has been discovered that people who live a traditional Mediterranean lifestyle have longer life expectancy and lower risk of heart disease and cancer.  Mediterranean food is not only tasty but also heart healthy.

Mediterranean Lifestyle

The Mediterranean Diet consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. The intake of meat and poultry is low, however, fish is the main source of protein. The diet is low in saturated fats, and dairy products are consumed in moderation. The source of the food is usually fresh and local.

Key Ingredients In The Mediterranean Diet

The key foods said to play a huge role in health and longevity are:

Olive Oil: This is used for cooking in the Mediterranean. Olive oil, extra virgin olive oil to be precise has several health benefits. It has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease by lowering triglyceride, cholesterol and LDL levels. It also increases HDL and protects against oxidative damage.

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Fruits and Vegetables: The tomato is an important ingredient. The high level of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals contained in fruits and vegetables provide protection against many chronic diseases.

Photo: Health Nation

Wholegrains: This is an important food which is eaten the Mediterranean region, and bread is an important part of the diet as it is the main provider of whole grains. However, bread is consumed without butter or margarine, which contain saturated or trans fats.

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Oily Fish:  This a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats protect against heart disease and inflammation.

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