Diet scientists have been trying to determine why the Mediterranean Sea inhabitants have less heart disease and cancer thus live longer than Europeans and Americans. The researchers say results suggest the beneficial effect of the Mediterranean diet on heart disease and hardening of the arteries is most likely a result of the combined effects of the different nutrients contained in the food, rather than any one factor.

Numerous studies have examined the effectiveness of the Mediterranean diet in lowering cholesterol, and these studies appear promising. Most of these studies have focused on the Mediterranean diet, emphasizing the consumption of high amounts of virgin olive oil (up to one liter per week) or nuts (up to 30 grams a day, or two handfuls), or in comparison to a low-fat diet. The Mediterranean diet does allow dairy fat and alcohol in moderation.

The typical person who follows the Mediterranean diet intakes less than eight percent of his or her calories from potentially harmful saturated fat. This is significantly below the average of people who do not follow a Mediterranean diet regimen. One of the reasons that the Mediterranean diet lowers the incidence of cancer is found in the fact that the diet is rich in whole grains and dietary fiber. Because the Mediterranean diet is low in red meat, the diet plan works to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol. The closer people adhered to the Mediterranean diet, the lower their levels of various measures of inflammation, which recent research shows plays a major role in development of heart disease.

Cholesterol

At a closer glance, the Mediterranean diet closely mirrors the essentials of a low cholesterol diet, encompassing factors such as:High consumption of fiber, due to the high consumption of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. In one study it appeared that cholesterol was lowered significantly more than a low-fat diet. Whether you want to lose weight, lower your cholesterol, eat more fruits and vegetables, or just feel healthier in general, adopting a Mediterranean Diet is a great way to eat better while enjoying a delicious variety of food.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean diet is similar to the American Heart Association’s Step I diet, but it contains less cholesterol and has more fats. The focus of the Mediterranean diet isn’t to limit total fat consumption, but to make wise choices about the types of fat you eat. In order to follow the Mediterranean diet you do not need to buy any special products or prepare a unique and hard to manage diet plan. Adopting a Mediterranean diet is easy if you’re a smart shopper.

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Physicians and nutritionists the world over all agree that a diet that is high in saturated fat can have very negative consequences on a person’s health and wellbeing. Indeed, a diet that is high in saturated fat can cause a person to suffer heart disease, can lead to cancer and can cause a whole host of other health problems and concern.

The Mediterranean diet is noteworthy because of the fact that it is very low in saturated fat. The typical person who follows the Mediterranean diet intakes less than eight percent of his or her calories from potentially harmful saturated fat. This is significantly below the average of people who do not follow a Mediterranean diet regimen.

Includes Plentiful Amounts of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Another reason why the Mediterranean diet is good for you lies in the fact that the diet includes the consumption of a significant amount of fruit and vegetables. Indeed, the diet encompasses more fresh fruits and vegetables than any other dietary program or plan today.

Fresh fruits and vegetables have a significant beneficial effect on a person’s health and wellbeing. People who following the Mediterranean diet and consume generous servings of fruits and vegetables each day have a lower incidence of certain diseases including cancer and cardiovascular ailments.

High in Whole Grains and Fiber

A benefit in the Mediterranean diet is found in the fact that it lowers in the incidence of certain types of cancer. One of the reasons that the Mediterranean diet lowers the incidence of cancer is found in the fact that the diet is rich in whole grains and dietary fiber. Both whole grain and fiber have proven to lower the incidence of cancer, including colorectal cancer.

High in Anti-Oxidants

The Mediterranean diet is high in anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants play a significant role in maintaining the body — including organs, muscles and skin — in top condition. A diet high in anti-oxidants is believed to ensure that a person will live a longer, healthier life.

Low in Red Meat

Because the Mediterranean diet is low in red meat, the diet plan works to reduce the amount of “bad cholesterol.” A diet low in “bad cholesterol” lessens the incidence of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and stroke.

High in Lean Meats

The Mediterranean diet includes lean meats in moderate portions. The reasonable amount of lean meats — including fish and certain seafood and fish — provides a health source of protein and energy for a person.

Low in Dairy

The Mediterranean diet is low in dairy products. In fact, a true adherent to the Mediterranean diet includes almost no dairy products at all. Any dairy that is included in the diet is low fat or non fat. Because the diet is low in dairy, particularly fatty dairy products, the diet encourages a person to obtain or maintain an ideal weight. Additionally, the diet aids in reducing cholesterol and works to prevent heart disease.

Prevents Disease

As mentioned, one of the reasons that the Mediterranean diet is good for you rests in the fact that the diet plan appears to reduce the incidence of certain diseases including:

– heart and cardiovascular disease

– cancer

– diabetes

– hypertension

– diabetes

Longevity

The history of the people of the Mediterranean region demonstrates that the Mediterranean diet works to extend a person’s life. In addition, while working to extend a person’s life, this diet scheme works to ensure that a person’s longer life will be healthy as well.

A Convenient Diet Program

Finally, the Mediterranean diet is good for you because it is a convenience diet program. In order to follow the Mediterranean diet you do not need to buy any special products or prepare a unique and hard to manage diet plan. If used with moderate exercise, it is a great way to lose weight while remaining healthy.

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