Lifestyle
The Health Benefits of a Mediterranean Diet
Think Mediterranean food, and the first things to come to your mind may be Greek salad, feta cheese, spanakopita, and hummus. Have you ever given a thought to how healthy these dishes are? All of these foods are relished not just for their taste but also because they are wholesome and versatile, and they can be paired with diverse cuisines. Mediterranean foods are fancied also because they contain an admirable combination of healthy fats, minerals, vitamins, and proteins. People in some of the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, like Spain, Andorra, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Malta, have the longest life expectancy in the world, and the reason is the healthy Mediterranean diet. This article discusses the health benefits of following a Mediterranean diet. Highlights of the Mediterranean diet A mostly plant-based diet, the Mediterranean cuisine contains plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, cereals, beans, legumes, nuts, herbs, spices, and olive oil. The consumption of red meat is sparse; instead, fish, seafood, and poultry are the preferred sources of protein. Olive oil is the predominant type of fat used for cooking, and healthy fats are also found in avocados, walnuts, and fatty fish, which are integral parts of this diet. While dairy is consumed, it is not a primary food that dominates the meal plans in this diet.
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