The Mediterranean Diet - What Is It?
by: Eva Moffat
It has been found that people living in Mediterranean Countries such as Southern France, Spain and Italy live longer than people in other parts of the world. Why is this?
It’s what they eat and how the Mediterranean’s cook their food that makes all the difference.
From Mediterranean Country to Mediterranean Country, the way the food is cooked may differ so although the flavours are varied, the foods used are the same.
What is the Mediterranean Diet?
The diet is mainly foods that come from plants; grains, vegetables especially green leafy vegetables, fruits, beans legumes, nuts, and olive oil. So the foods that are common in the Mediterranean Countries are olives, grapes, wheat and what can be made from these foodstuffs. Added advantages of these foods are their nutritional value; they provide antioxidants, fibre, vitamins and minerals.
The Mediterranean Diet can help people avoid what is called the ‘Diseases of Affluence.’ These diseases are common in Westernised, industrialised nations and include Heart Disease, Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and some Cancers.
Isn’t Olive Oil A Fat And Fats Are Bad For Us?
Yes olive oil is a fat, but it’s a good fat. The body needs good fat.
· Good Fat is monounsaturated or polyunsaturated.
· Bad Fats are saturated fats.
FATS are found in Meat and Dairy Products and some Vegetable Oils.
The body needs a certain amount of fat to be sure everything is working properly. But there are two kinds of fat that we get from our food.
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The Mediterranean Diet - What Is It?
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About The Author
Eva Moffat an ex-nurse is a weight loss specialist who optimises her own health through Nutritional Supplements. If you are struggling with health or weight loss issues, find out how she can help you too at http://www.weight-loss-4-you.com or E-Mail: eva.moffat@onetel.net.
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