The Famous Diet

The Greek Mediterranean diet is a life-long way for longevity and beauty. The principal aspects of this diet include proportionally high consumption of olives and olive oil, legumes, unrefined cereals, fruits, and vegetables, moderate to high consumption of fish, moderate consumption of dairy products and wine, and low consumption of non-fish meat products. Mediterranean diet is a diet which incorporates the basics of healthy eating among other components characterizing the traditional cooking style of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

Research has shown that the traditional Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart disease. The diet has been associated with a lower level of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — the "bad" cholesterol that's more likely to build up deposits in your arteries.

The Mediterranean diet is also associated with a reduced incidence of cancer, and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Women who eat a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil and mixed nuts may have a reduced risk of breast cancer.

For these and more reasons, most if not all major scientific organizations encourage healthy adults to adapt a style of eating such as that of the Mediterranean diet for prevention of major chronic diseases.

• Eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts
• Replacing butter with healthy fats such as olive oil
• Using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods
• Limiting red meat to no more than a few times a month
• Eating fish and poultry at least twice a week
• Enjoying meals with family and friends
• Drinking red wine in moderation (optional)