Mediterranean diet

From ArticleWorld

The key countries in the Mediterranean basin that influence the Mediterranean diet include Italy, Greece and Spain.

Characteristics

Most diets in these regions focus on a high quantity of fruits and vegetables as well as bread, cereals, olive oil and fish. Thus, these diets are high in fiber and carbohydrates – and low in saturated fat. Mediterranean dishes are known for tasting rich and being flavorful. Red wine is consumed moderately – but regularly.

History and theory

First publicized by an American doctor, Ancel Keys, who was stationed in Italy in 1945, the Mediterranean diet didn’t gain full publicity until the 1990s.

Keys’ basis was that even though people in the Mediterranean consume a large amount of fat, the residents also have lower risk of cardiovascular disease than the residents in countries where similar fat levels are found. This may be attributed to the amount of olive oil used in the Mediterranean. Olive oil has been found to lower cholesterol levels. Conversely, the American diet uses a high amount of animal fat.

Mediterranean diet. Unlike the high amount of animal fats typical to the American diet, olive oil lowers cholesterol levels in the blood. In addition, the consumption of red wine is considered a possible factor, as it contains flavonoids with powerful antioxidant properties (see the French paradox).

Other reasons for success

People in the Mediterranean may also enjoy the benefits of consumption of red wine. It contains flavonoids and is known to have strong properties as an antioxidant. Genetics, lifestyle and environment also play a key role in the health and low fat levels found in residents of the Mediterranean basin.