The Mediterranean Diet has its Medicinal Properties

Many people have found that following the Mediterranean Diet has helped them to lose weight and add years to their life. Following the Mediterranean diet has been found to have many medicinal properties. In reality the Mediterranean Diet is more of a concept then an actual diet. For years the people of the Mediterranean area have eaten foods that are healthy and rich in antioxidants and vitamins. The foods that make up their diet are mostly fresh vegetables and fruits, grains, fish and seafood, olive oil, yogurt, goat's cheese, nuts and red wine. They very rarely eat red meat and food is grilled rather than fried.

Eating foods that follow the Mediterranean Diet help prevent heart disease and cancer. The fat found in the Mediterranean Diet is from monounsaturated plant sources such as olive oil, canola oil and nuts which help to protect against heart disease and lower blood cholesterol. This is much healthier than having oil-based saturated fat that comes from sources such as red meat and butter. The Mediterranean Diet is also free from hydrogenated fats found in processed foods and commercially baked products.

Using olive oil in your diet helps to lower your LDL cholesterol levels helping to keep your arteries clear. It also helps to lower your blood pressure which decreases the risk of heart disease. In addition, olive oil contains important cancer fighting antioxidants. It also coats your stomach protecting you from ulcers.

A popular cheese in the Mediterranean Diet is feta cheese made from goat's milk. This diet staple is rich in vitamin B-12, calcium, riboflavin and zinc and is very important in maintaining a healthy immune system and strong bones and teeth.

The antioxidant flavonoid contained in red wine helps prevent the LDL cholesterol from oxidizing in the blood and also acts as an anti-clotting agent in the bloodstream. The Mediterranean Diet recommends drinking red wine in moderation approximately 12 ounces per day.

Mediterranean Dishes
The following are several examples of common foods and dishes found in the Mediterranean Diet.
Fresh Vegetable Salad with Feta Cheese and Olive Oil
Hummas
Pasta with Tuna and Olive Tapenade
Mediterranean Chicken Stew
Greek Style Lasagna
Mediterranean Lentil Soup
Grilled Shrimp Salad with Fresh Vegetables
White Bean Dip
vegetable bean soup

It is easy to incorporate the basics of the Mediterranean Diet into your lifestyle. With the few simple changes you will be eating healthier and have a better overall sense of well being.