In recent years, diet experts have taken a closer look at the Mediterranean Diet. The Mediterranean Diet springs from the recent recognition that of all the people indigenous to Europe, those in the Mediterranean region live the longest. It has also been found that people living in Mediterranean countries have the lowest incidence of obesity in the world.
The beginnings of the Mediterranean diet date back to Crete, where it was noted that the Cretans and the Greeks enjoyed a healthier lifestyle than in other parts of the world. Since then, a growing number of people are becoming attracted to the Mediterranean Diet.
One thing that sets the diet apart is that meat and animal products are consumed in very small amounts. Indeed, what little meat is included is usually poultry or fish. Red meat is rarely present in the Mediterranean diet and is rarely eaten by the people of this area. In addition, dairy products are only used sparingly within the region. For example, when milk is included in a meal or in food preparation, it is always the non-fat variety. Eggs are another scarcity; maybe two to four eggs per week is the maximum.
Another distinction is the high amount of extra virgin olive oil. Mediterraneans exclude all saturated fats and oils, using only olive oil for cooking. In fact, olive oil is also likely to be a bread topping, a salad dressing, and a chief component in sauces. Whole olives are also a popular garnish, sliced onto some hummus and pita bread, topping a salad, or included in a stew.
Armed with these elementary facts pertaining to the Mediterranean diet, you will be in a better position to determine if it is appropriate for you and your lifestyle. The evidence does show that the Mediterranean diet has been followed by people in many parts of the world since the dawn of history.
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The beginnings of the Mediterranean diet date back to Crete, where it was noted that the Cretans and the Greeks enjoyed a healthier lifestyle than in other parts of the world. Since then, a growing number of people are becoming attracted to the Mediterranean Diet.
One thing that sets the diet apart is that meat and animal products are consumed in very small amounts. Indeed, what little meat is included is usually poultry or fish. Red meat is rarely present in the Mediterranean diet and is rarely eaten by the people of this area. In addition, dairy products are only used sparingly within the region. For example, when milk is included in a meal or in food preparation, it is always the non-fat variety. Eggs are another scarcity; maybe two to four eggs per week is the maximum.
Another distinction is the high amount of extra virgin olive oil. Mediterraneans exclude all saturated fats and oils, using only olive oil for cooking. In fact, olive oil is also likely to be a bread topping, a salad dressing, and a chief component in sauces. Whole olives are also a popular garnish, sliced onto some hummus and pita bread, topping a salad, or included in a stew.
Armed with these elementary facts pertaining to the Mediterranean diet, you will be in a better position to determine if it is appropriate for you and your lifestyle. The evidence does show that the Mediterranean diet has been followed by people in many parts of the world since the dawn of history.
Article Source