Weight Loss Watcher

The Mediterranean diet has the reputation of being responsible for longevity, weight control, lowered risks of heart disease and cancer, and low cholesterol levels. It is based on the dietary habits of the people living in the sixteen countries that border the Mediterranean. Research has shown that the diet of these people is responsible for their long life and excellent health. No wonder this diet has been incorporated into so many weight loss programs! 

The Mediterranean diet comprises fruits, vegetables, bread and other cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts, and seeds. The important source of fat is olive oil. It includes very little red meat and diary products. The consumption of fish and poultry is from low to moderate. Eggs are not consumed at all, or consumed two to four times per week. Wine is taken in moderate amounts. 

Garlic, commonly found in the Mediterranean diet helps prevent blood clots, lowers the level of cholesterol, and provides protection against cancer. Some researchers think that the moderate amount of wine that this diet includes is responsible for the low rate of heart diseases. Olive oil comprises monosaturated fat, which does not raise blood cholesterol levels the way saturated fat does. Olive oil is also a good source of antioxidants including vitamin E. 

Several universities, research institutes, and heart foundations, such as the American Heart Foundation approve of this diet. It has more support from health authorities than any other diet. Moreover, doctors and nutritionists prefer it to any other type of diets. 

The Mediterranean diet will not cause kidney failure the way some diets do. It reduces the level of cholesterol. You can rest assured that you won’t regain the weight you have lost due to it. Moreover, it tastes terrific and you don’t need a powerful exercise of your will power to stick to it. 

However, a lot of research needs to be done on the Mediterranean diet. It remains to be found out whether the diet itself or certain lifestyle factors of the people of the Mediterranean countries is responsible for lower deaths due to heart disease.

Filed under: Food & Nutrition, Diet Programs