The Secrets of the Mediterranean Diet Unveiled

The many health benefits of vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish and nuts, all of which are part of the Mediterranean Diet, have been discussed by nutritionists at length. This traditional diet of Greece, Italy, Crete, and of all the sixteen countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, where heart protective olive oil (a monounsaturated fats) is a main staple, focuses little on red and meats in general.

When the Western diet was compared to the Mediterranean diet in the Lyon Diet Heart Study, those people who consumed a Mediterranean diet experienced a 50% to 70% lower risk of repeat heart attacks than those on a Western diet. Also, according to researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health the benefits for people following a Mediterranean diet were a 25% lower death rate. This type of eating pattern, emphasizing vegetables, fruits, beans, fish and nuts, foods which are filled with antioxidants, might reduce the rates of heart disease and cancer.


Although this diet is higher in fat than what is currently recommended by the American Heart Association, these fats, found particularly in olive oil, are very healthy monounsaturated fats, which decrease blood cholesterol levels and protect the heart.

In general Mediterranean countries also tend to lead an active lifestyle, consume red wine with meals and have an extensive social support system.

These are all the secrets of the Mediterraneans, are you ready to try it?