The Mediterranean Diet has been getting a lot of attention lately and for good reason. One of the first studies looked at the island of Crete in 1948. It was conducted by The Rockefeller Foundation and headed up by Leland Allbaugh at the request of the Greek government. The study concluded that most calories were derived from plant based foods and a whopping 38% of calories were derived from olive oil alone. The Greek government was surprised at the general good health of the islanders.
Since that initial study there have been countless researchers trying to figure out why people of the Mediterranean region generally live longer, healthier lives and benefit from lower rates of heart disease in addition to showing less occurrences of chronic disease. The latest research focusing on phytochemicals proves promising at unlocking those elusive answers. The focus on plant based foods, including copious amounts of extra virgin first cold pressed olive oil, explains a lot. Phytochemicals (found in plant foods) are believed to slow the aging process, strengthen the immune system and ward off chronic disease. Spanish researchers recently concluded that adhering to Mediterranean diet guidelines reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 83%. The anti-inflammatory effects of the diet prove useful in preventing risk factors for heart attack and stroke.
The Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, and olive oil as a base and is supplemented with small amounts of protein (mostly seafood) and dairy. Also included are moderate amounts of whole grains, legumes (beans, peas, and lentils), and nuts. And drinking wine with meals is a common custom.
By far this type of diet outweighs the typical American diet. The benefits of eating the Mediterranean way are quite numerous and I would encourage all to jump on the bandwagon. It just may be the World’s Healthiest Diet.
Since that initial study there have been countless researchers trying to figure out why people of the Mediterranean region generally live longer, healthier lives and benefit from lower rates of heart disease in addition to showing less occurrences of chronic disease. The latest research focusing on phytochemicals proves promising at unlocking those elusive answers. The focus on plant based foods, including copious amounts of extra virgin first cold pressed olive oil, explains a lot. Phytochemicals (found in plant foods) are believed to slow the aging process, strengthen the immune system and ward off chronic disease. Spanish researchers recently concluded that adhering to Mediterranean diet guidelines reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 83%. The anti-inflammatory effects of the diet prove useful in preventing risk factors for heart attack and stroke.