What is the Mediterranean Diet?
The Mediterranean Diet is a low-fat diet that advocates eating food common to its namesake's region. Olive oil is the main fat source with fresh vegetables and fruits eaten in abundance. Meals include whole grains, pasta and breads. Fish and poultry are on the menu but red meat is not frequently consumed. A selling point for many is the recommendation of drinking red wine regularly for those without alcohol related health concerns. Mediterranean residents have been studied for their long, healthy lives and the diet is touted as a healthier lifestyle.
How does the Mediterranean Diet work?
Reducing fat and calories is the key to weight loss on this diet. About 30 percent of your calories are recommended to come from fat with saturated fats very limited. Food from plants sources that is minimally process is recommended. Fresh vegetables and fruits are staples. Often books written about the plan go into detailed descriptions of the colors and flavors of produce. Daily exercise is also a part of the plan.
What does research say?
Many studies have been done on the good health of those who eat a Mediterranean diet saying it can help prevent illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and Alzheimer's. A 2008 review of available research on whether the Mediterranean diet combats obesity concludes there is evidence that it does but more research needs to be done with part of problem being there is not one universal definition of the diet.