Mediterranean Diet

Although the Mediterranean Diet is popular today, it has been a way of life for the people living in the Mediterranean region for generations.  It should be noted that the Romans were some of the first to experience the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet.

While the diet has been popular since the days of antiquity, it wasn’t until the 20th century that Dr. Ancel Keys began recommending the Mediterranean Diet to his patients. Following suit, other medical practitioners soon followed and thus the Mediterranean Diet once again became extremely popular.

The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean Diet consists of lots of fruits and vegetables, fiber and whole grains. Fish is also a major part of the diet and it is recommended that it be eaten at least three times a week due to the fact that certain fish are a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids.

Unlike fish, red meat is one of the least recommended foods within the diet, as well as any processed foods, and foods with empty calories such as soft drinks. The Mediterranean diet also advocates a lot of healthy fats.  However unlike butter and corn oil, which are both staples in America, the Mediterranean Diet includes mono-saturated fats (healthier fats) such as olive oil and nuts.

Mediterranean Diet Pros

The Mediterranean Diet can help lower your cholesterol simply by replacing poly-saturated fats such as butter, with mono-saturated fats such as olive oil. This diet is recommended for those that either have heart disease or would like to prevent it.

In many studies, it has been shown that people living in the Mediterranean region (following typical Mediterranean Diet eating habits) live longer than those in many developed nations.

Mediterranean Diet Cons

While the Mediterranean Diet is great for long term weight maintenance, or to reduce the risk of heart disease, for those who are looking for a way to lose lots of weight immediately, the Mediterranean Diet is not the most effective diet available. For those looking for short term weight loss, a sensible diet that lowers your caloric intake in conjunction with an adequate exercise regimen is recommended.

You might also enjoy:

• The Ornish Diet
• Fast Track One-Day Detox
• The Cheaters Diet
• Ephedra
• Low Glycemic Index

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