Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet pyramid is based on the traditional diets of people in Greece, Crete, and southern Italy in the early 1960's. During that time, the incidence of chronic disease in the region was among the lowest in the world and the life expectancy was among the highest in spite of the limited medical resources that were available at the time. Current scientific research is proving what has been suspected for many years - that the Mediterranean diet, in conjunction with daily physical activity, is synonymous with good health.

The World Health Organization has long supported the “Mediterranean Diet Pyramid”, which recommends olive oil as the principal fat, replacing other fats and oils, including butter.

The Mediterranean diet is based on the consumption of plenty of fruits and vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, fish, poultry, and olive oil. Some of the lowest rates of heart disease in the world occur in Mediterranean countries.

The American Heart Association has found that a diet rich in these foods may help to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Back