The Mediterranean Diet: Basics for Beginners
The Mediterranean Sea is surrounded by countries which have developed a distinct and indigenous style of cooking. The cooking style is not just one of the healthiest diet plans one can follow on a relatively permanent basis, it has been shown by research to be a heart-friendly eating pattern. This culinary style is called as the Mediterranean diet. It is unique to the regions of Spain, Greece, Island of Crete, southern France and southern Italy. In 2010, UNESCO actually declared it to be the cultural heritage of the countries of Spain, Morocco, Greece and Italy.
The Mediterranean diet essentially lays out the importance that should be given to different food groups. It states how frequently and how much a food group should be consumed. This diet plan not only helps stay healthy it improves longevity and stamina.
The diet can be understood as:
Each of these food groups have shown to contribute towards a healthier body. Each constituent reduces the risk of heart attacks in its own way.
The chief difference between the Mediterranean diet and any other diet plan is the emphasis on olive oil and red wine in daily meals. Research has shown both to be very high on anti-oxidants. These anti-oxidants help fight free radicals that are released in the body on account of ageing. Thus, it fights ageing and its effects like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and inflammation. Olive oil is also known to be rich in a variety of fatty acid called monounsaturated fatty acid. This is particularly helpful in lowering the blood level of LDL (bad) cholesterol and improving the overall regulation of cholesterol in our body.
The Mediterranean diet essentially lays out the importance that should be given to different food groups. It states how frequently and how much a food group should be consumed. This diet plan not only helps stay healthy it improves longevity and stamina.
The diet can be understood as:
- Breads, pastas, fresh fruits and vegetables, unrefined cereals, legumes, nuts and beans should be consumed in large proportions daily.
- Olive oil, virgin or extra virgin quality, should be the chief medium of all cooking, frying and salad dressings. It should be consumed in moderate to large amounts daily.
- Dairy products essentially in the form of cheese and yogurt should be consumed in moderate amounts daily.
- Fish, poultry and eggs should be consumed in small to moderate amounts at least few times each week.
- Red meats, meat products and sweets should be consumed in minimal amounts only a few times a week.
- Red wine should be consumed in moderate amounts often in a week.
Each of these food groups have shown to contribute towards a healthier body. Each constituent reduces the risk of heart attacks in its own way.
The chief difference between the Mediterranean diet and any other diet plan is the emphasis on olive oil and red wine in daily meals. Research has shown both to be very high on anti-oxidants. These anti-oxidants help fight free radicals that are released in the body on account of ageing. Thus, it fights ageing and its effects like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and inflammation. Olive oil is also known to be rich in a variety of fatty acid called monounsaturated fatty acid. This is particularly helpful in lowering the blood level of LDL (bad) cholesterol and improving the overall regulation of cholesterol in our body.
Source...