The “Mediterranean Style Diet” is said to be one of the healthy diets in the world. A diet that has been linked to less chronic diseases, and is considered the diet for optimal health.

So what make the Mediterranean Diet so healthy?

The use of olive oil is a main factor, and the principal fat used in the Mediterranean diet. Extra virgin olive oil is used mostly for salads and general cooking. Refined olive oil can be used for deep-frying. Olive oil is very high in monounsaturated fat and offers a good source of antioxidants. (The diet eliminates all other cooking oils, lard, margarine & butter. Although, butter is sometimes used for special occasions.)

The high consumptions of plant based fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants and in a wide variety of colors and choices. Either raw or lightly cooked, vegetables can be made into soups and other tasty dishes.

Bread, rice, pasta, couscous, bulgur and other grains, along with bean and other legumes are all consumed in moderate to high consumptions.

Eating lean red meat no more than once a week rather substituting red meat for fish, chicken, vegetables, beans and other legumes.

Eating plenty of fresh herbs, spices, garlic and chili’s, which all have great health benefits.

Cheese is used in moderate to high consumptions but mainly feta, ricotta & mozzarella.

Red wine and mineral water is a preferred choice over milk or other beverages. (Drinking wine in moderation can help protect against coronary disease.)

Not only can you promote better health, but also you can lose weight and feel great at the same time.

The big difference between the American Diet and the Mediterranean Diet is bad fat that causes bad health, which can cause heart disease and other illness.

Saturated fat is the main dietary cause of high blood cholesterol. Saturated fat is found mostly in beef, pork, veal, lamb, poultry fat, lard, butter, cream, milk, cheese and other dairy products made from whole and 2 percent milk.

By eating Mediterranean Style you consume approximately 30 percent saturated fat from red meat, and approximately 20 percent from milk and other dairy products.

By increasing your intake of fruits and vegetable, along with choosing from a wide variety rich in antioxidants can help protect us from disease and aging while promoting good health.

Some Healthy snack choices- nuts, almonds, olives, soy beans, avocados, tomatoes, fruit, raw vegetables and yogurt.