Mediterranean diet information

This is more of a loose description of the eating habits traditionally associated with the people of the Mediterranean region than an actual diet. Mediterranean people are recognized for the low numbers of chronic disease and higher life expectancy despite a high fat diet. Recent studies have indicated that the Mediterranean diet may function as a preventative factor for many illnesses and diseases. Daily foods on this diet include: bread, pasta, fruit, vegetables, grains, potatoes, rice, olive oil, cheese, yogurt and wine, but these foods are consumed in moderation. Foods that should be eaten only a few times a week are eggs, poultry, fish, and sweet foods. Red meats should only be eaten a few times a month. Regular daily exercise is also an important part of the Mediterranean diet/lifestyle.

The Mediterranean diet includes mostly fresh fruit and vegetables that are eaten raw, not the canned, frozen or highly processed foods that are a part of many American "convenience" foods today.

The main source of fat in the Mediterranean area is olive oil. Olive oil is made of 70% simple unsaturated fatty acids, which have been noted to increase HDL (good cholesterol) and decrease LDL (bad cholesterol). Fish is also eaten several times weekly as there is an abundant supply available from the nearby Mediterranean sea. This is an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids.