When people think about diet, one of the very first things that come to mind is the restrictions. A large number of diets today are designed to restrict your food intake so that weight loss can occur. Unlike these diets, the Mediterranean diet is different. Rather than limiting your food intake, the Mediterranean diet emphasizes on the intake of heart healthy meals.
The majority of the food staples that are contained within the Mediterranean diet come from the Mediterranean region of Greece, Italy or Croatia and are mainly plant based but not necessarily vegetarian. Though you do not have to give up meat entirely, the Mediterranean diet limits the intake of red meat and sugary or processed foods.
Which foods are consumed in the Mediterranean diet?
The Mediterranean diet is made up of all the foods that you already probably eat, just in smaller and healthier proportions. Primarily, the Mediterranean diet is plant-based with a heavy emphasis on;
- Veggies
- Nuts
- Seeds Healthy fats
- Fruits
- Eggs
- A small amount of dairy and poultry
As well as fish can be consumed on a regular basis but small portions must always be maintained. Adhering to the diet does not mean that you have to give up alcohol, as wine is encouraged every now and again.
In the Mediterranean diet, refined sugar and flour, as well as butter, are also eaten in moderation but the best Mediterranean restaurants will use these components in moderation to heighten or improve the flavor profile of the food. For example, the Loco Tulum Mediterranean cuisine dishes are made with the strictest principles of Mediterranean cooking but still use such condiments to deliver astounding textures and aromas.
What are the potential health benefits of subscribing to a Mediterranean diet?
A traditional Mediterranean diet has been proven to have considerable benefits to human health. As well as proven benefits in the prevention of coronary heart problems, the diet has also been known to improve one’s quality of life. Adopting a Mediterranean diet can reduce your chances of developing an array of health conditions so it comes highly recommended by both dietitians and nutritionists.
According to continued research on the diet, science has noted that individuals on a Mediterranean diet tend to live much longer and experience lower rates of serious and chronic diseases compared to people who are not on the diet. Some of the associated benefits include lower rates of cancer, reduced blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and even Parkinson’s disease.