The Benefits Of The Mediterranean Food Diet Plan

If you thought that diets were not healthy, then think again. The Mediterranean food diet plan is one of the healthiest ways of eating and it tastes good too!
The Mediterranean food diet plan was developed when it was noticed that those from the Mediterranean had a low incidence of heart disease. It was found that the foods eaten in the Mediterranean where all heart healthy foods and contain "good" fats. He main types of food involved in the Mediterranean diet plan include vegetables, good fat, fruit, whole grains, olive oil and red wine.

The Mediterranean diet plan is good for your heart as many of the foods in the plan contain LDL cholesterol. This cholesterol is the good kind of cholesterol. Unlike many other cultures the amount of HDL or bad cholesterol was quite low. Some foods that frequently are found in the Mediterranean diet include veggies, fruit, red wine, olive oil, canola oil, fish, nuts, and limiting the amount of red meat.

The amount of fruit and vegetables consumed each day is quite high at around nine servings per day. Any fruit that is eaten tends to be high in antioxidants. These fruits will all be dark in color as antioxidants are linked to red and purple color. The whole grains that are eaten are unprocessed and contain a high amount of fiber. Processed grains tend to be used sparingly.

Most diets will restrict the amount of fat you can consume; the Mediterranean food diet plan just stipulates that you need to reduce the amount of "bad" fat you eat. You can eat plenty of products that contain "good' fat. "Good" fat is unsaturated fat and can be found in olive oil, canola oil, nuts and fish. The oil found in fish, omega-3, is particularly good for your heart. The virgin olive oil also contains a lot of antioxidants.

Red wine is used in moderation in the Mediterranean diet plan as red wine is chock full of antioxidants. If drunk in moderation red wine has been proven to help the heart. It is only when it is drunk in excess when it begins to damage the body and will counteract any good it might have done.

Next, learn more about the Mediterranean food diet and how it can help you get healthy and lose weight.
   By Lee Dobbins
Published: 5/5/2009
 
Use the feedback form below to submit your comments.
Your Comments:
Your Name:
Use the form below to email this article to your friends.
Recipient Email Address:
 Separate multiple email addresses by ;
Your Name:
Your Email Address: