What’s So Great About the Mediterranean Diet?

Lots of people know they need to drop a few pounds, but they don't want to follow the latest diet fad. If you're looking for some good weight loss advice in this regard, why not take at look at the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet is a regime based on consumption of the foods that people who live in the Mediterranean basin eat. The Mediterranean basin is an area that borders the Mediterranean Sea and has balmy, wet winters and hot, arid summers. This area takes in areas of France, as well as the Italian, Iberian, and Balkan Peninsulas. Additionally, it takes in regions of the Sahara Desert and Africa.

Walter Willett, a professor at Harvard University, developed the most widely known variation of the Mediterranean regimen. The diet plan involves daily physical activity, in conjunction with lots of plant food, poultry and fish, olive oil, fresh fruit for dessert, dairy products, up to four eggs per week, red meat in small amounts, and wine with meals. The diet strictly restrains fat so that only a total of about 35% of calories come from fat. It's considered to be a low-fat, high fiber diet program. It became popular in the 1990's, but the Mediterranean diet plan has been in existence since 1945.

The Mediterranean regime substitutes olive oil in place of animal fats used by most Americans. The advantages of olive oil are widely known - it helps control blood pressure and blood glucose. Studies show that olive oil helps prevent the development of ulcers, and is likewise important for preventing cancer. Red wine furthermore adds to the mix in that it has elements with antioxidant properties.

The Mediterranean diet plan is in truth a series of diet programs to some extent advocated by the American Heart Association. However the AHA disapproves of the amount of fat permitted by the Mediterranean regimen. The AHA points out the growing obesity situation in the Mediterranean region. On the other hand, the American Heart Association does like the fact that the largest part of the fat in the Mediterranean diet plan comes from olive oil, a monounsaturated fat that doesn't elevate cholesterol. Researchers aren't certain whether better wellness in the Mediterranean basin is because of eating habits or the fact they get a lot of exercise, frequently from walking.

The Mediterranean diet is one of the most healthy weight loss programs you can find. If you're interested in learning more about the Mediterranean diet plan, browse the internet for additional information. Your waistline and your heart will both benefit from following it.

About the Author:

Comments are closed.