Mediterranean Diet: At a Glance
The Mediterranean Diet is the subject of various books and websites. This diet is not so much of a plan but more of a way of eating and living; and while various versions of the diets are available, they all revolve around one basic theory.
The Mayo Clinic version of the diet is an excellent source of information. The facts about the diet are presented matter-of-factly and they do not attempt to sell you anything. There are many health benefits to this diet and the site explains them. Fresh, unprocessed foods are the mainstay of this diet; moreover, it has been shown to decrease cholesterol as well as the risk of developing cardiac issues and certain types of cancer. This diet is sometimes referred to as the ‘French Paradox’ since, similar to the French diet; it includes a high level of fats while still being healthy. This is because only ‘good’ fats are consumed, monosaturated or unsaturated, as opposed to the saturated fats that are common in most Americans’ diets.
As mentioned, various sites provide information and diet tips regarding the Mediterranean diet and some even display the Mediterranean food pyramid as compared to the American Heart Association’s recommended diet.
Mediterranean Diet: Facts
It’s easy to find books about the Mediterranean diet at most book stores; Amazon Online carries it and there you can check out the reviews and ratings to help you decide which books would be most helpful to you. Some of the books contain a lot of detail about the Mediterranean lifestyle and history of the diet, while others are mainly collections of recipes.
Some Internet sites provide their own version of the diet, and consumers must buy their particular diet book to find out the modifications, but with all the free information available elsewhere, this is clearly unnecessary. E-Diets also offers a Mediterranean Diet and you can have meals delivered to you if you pay a registration and delivery fee. Online tools, data, and extra support can be found on E-diets.
Fruits, grains, vegetables, fish, olive oil and red wine are the foods on which the Mediterranean diet is based. Red meat and processed foods are not part of this diet; neither are saturated and hydrogenated fats, like margarine and butter. Wine should be consumed moderately, but if alcohol dependency has been an issue previously, some experts advise against it.
Mediterranean Diet: Positive Features
- The Mediterranean Diet promotes heart health and may help reduce the incidence of cancer.
- Studies have shown that Greeks are significantly less likely to develop heart disease and cancer than those who live in other countries.
- The Mayo Clinic provides a fair amount of information regarding the diet.
- The emphasis of this diet is eating fresh, big amounts of food.
- The food for this diet is fairly affordable.
- All of the major food groups are included.
- Many antioxidants are included in the diet.
Mediterranean Diet: Negative Features
- The Mediterranean diet concentrates exclusively on food to the detriment of fitness.
- The diet is for lifestyle change and not for weight loss.
- The diet is neither low in fat or calories.
Mediterranean Diet: Conclusion
It would be wise for most people in North American to adhere to the Mediterranean diet. People with cardiac issues should check with their doctors before making significant changes to their diets.
It would generally be wise for anyone following this diet to exercise regularly and to familiarize themselves with regard to correct portion sizes so that they do not overindulge in these delicious foods.