What Is Mediterranean diet?
July 1, 2009
Diet is one such thing that everyone is very cautious about. Whether one wants to lead a healthy life or reduce obesity, diet plays a very important role in achieving positive results for both.
A diet is referred as a process of consuming healthy and natural sources of nutrition. These include fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, juices, wine, etc. A nutritious diet is the secret of a healthy mind and body.
Depending upon the geographic locations, people consume a diet that consists of components that are easily available to them. And sometimes such a diet becomes a nutritious diet for people, even though it may lack the essential nutrients. But a new diet called as Mediterranean diet is becoming highly popular due to its simplicity and effectiveness.
So what exactly is the Mediterranean diet?
The Mediterranean diet is a nutritional recommendation which is advocated by nutritionists and dietitians all over the world. This diet has been inspired by analyzing the traditional dietary patterns that were followed by the inhabitants of Mediterranean countries. The unique feature of this diet is that it consists of only about 30% fat as compared to other diets.
Characteristics of the Mediterranean diet:
- Stress is laid on high consumption of fruits, vegetables, unrefined cereals, potatoes, beans, fish and nuts.
- Dairy products such as cheese and yogurt are consumed in moderate proportion.
- Meat and meat products are consumed in low to moderate amounts.
- Eggs are consumed zero to four times a week.
- Olive oil is used in the preparation of various dishes and serves as the only source of fat.
- No alcohol consumption. But wine can be consumed in low to moderate amounts.
- Only fresh fruits should be consumed as daily dessert.
- Regular physical activity should be followed.
As you can see, the Mediterranean diet consists of very nutritional components and hence it helps in preventing many health related disorders. The high consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables provides the body with ample amount of anti-oxidants. These anti-oxidants help in strengthening the immune system and prevent common infections and allergies.
Also, because Mediterranean diet does not contain high amount of sugar and preservatives, it is a popular weight loss remedy. Even doctors aver to this unique diet because it gives positive and effective results, without any side effects.
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