The Benefits of a Mediterranean Diet
A Mediterranean Diet consists of foods eaten in Greece, Spain, southern Italy and France, including other countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. Mediterranean food is heart-healthy because it includes a high level of monounsaturated fats, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids found in the vegetables, beans, high-fiber breads and whole grains, nuts, and olive oil.
These key nutrients have been linked to boosting a person’s energy level, improving mood and lowering risk for certain diseases. Specifically, preventing heart disease, lowering cholesterol, and preventing stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, depression and Parkinson’s disease.
To share in a healthy Mediterranean diet, try the following foods:
- Fruits and vegetables such as grapes, blueberries, tomatoes, broccoli, peppers, figs, olives, spinach, eggplant, beans, lentils, and chickpeas.
- Whole-grain foods such as oats, brown rice, and whole wheat bread, pasta, and couscous.
- Unsaturated fats such as nuts, olive oil, and certain nut or seed oils like canola, soybean, and flaxseed.
- Vegetarian meals that include whole grains, beans, lentils, and vegetables.
- Fish and Lean Meats
Source:
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/tc/mediterranean-diet-topic-overview
