What is a Mediterranean diet?

jbooker8

The traditional Mediterranean diet refers to the dietary patterns typical in the early 1960’s of some Mediterranean regions, including Crete and other parts of Greece and Southern Italy. The reason these dietary patterns are singled out are because the adult life expectancy of these areas were among the highest in the world; with rates of coronary heart disease among the lowest in the world during that time. The Mediterranean diet is a centuries-old tradition that contributes to good health, provides a sense of well-being and pleasure and forms a vital part of the cultural heritage of these regions. These same practices can be adopted in our homes to enhance our well being and overall risk of heart disease and other chronic disease states. http://www.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter/pub/guide/prevention/askdietician/ask10_01.htm Jun 03 08, 3:35 PM