Understanding The Mediterranean Diet

By: Kelly Johnson

As a young scientist Ancel Keys showed that among people in
countries where fresh fruit, vegetables and olive oil were
plentiful like Greece, southern Italy and southern France- heart
disease was extremely rare. In other countries where people eat
a lot of beef, cheese and foods high in saturated fat- like the
United States- heart disease is a leading cause of death. Ancel
Keys, who is now 96, promoted the health benefits of the
Mediterranean Diet, which has become synonymous with good
health.

Recently some have started to question the diet. In the past few
years, Italian scientists have linked bread, pasta and rice made
from refined grains to an increased risk of certain cancers,
particularly thyroid, colon and stomach cancers. The Center for
Science in the Public Interest also issued an enlightening
report on the food served in Italian restaurants- many laden
with saturated fat and cholesterol. Like fettuccine alfredo
which has as much saturated fat as three pints of butter-almond
ice cream or a serving of fried calamari which has the
cholesterol equivalent of a four-egg omelet. However the foods
served in most Italian restaurants are a long way from the foods
that Keys first promoted in his original diet. The original
Mediterranean Diet was nearly vegetarian, with fish and very
little meat, and was rich in green vegetables and fruits.

When the traditional diets were brought to America suddenly a
lot of meat, sugar and cream sauces were added. In addition,
many pastas and bread are no longer even prepared the
traditional way. The original Mediterranean diet never included
refined flours. By making careful choices, you can experience
the true Mediterranean Diet and have the healthiest and most
delicious meals. When buying breads choose loaves made with
whole grains and flours as opposed to white refined flours. For
the main course fill your plate with fresh fruits and
vegetables. If you are dining out, look for entrees with plenty
of vegetables and very little cream, or cheese. For dessert,
choose something that provides one serving of fruit.

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About the author:
Kelly Johnson writes for http://www.Fitness-Pulse.com where she
covers diet, health, fitness and exercise related topics.