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As I have been living in Italy for the last thirty years, I can vouch for the great qualities of the Mediterranean diet. It is well known that the incidence of heart disease is less in Mediterranean countries than in the USA. The same is true for cancer rates. There is a possibility that this diet may play a part in slowing Alzheimer's disease. It has been studied and researched all over the world. The Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Greece and southern Italy have always had a long dietary tradition of good food based on natural healthy ingredients. This now forms the basis of the Mediterranean Diet which has become famous all over the world. Why is it so famous? Partly because many scientific bodies, such as Harvard University, have carried out extensive research which shows that this diet is effective in reducing the risk of heart attacks and lowering cancer rates as well. Let me make it very clear that if you are not prepared to lose weight in a healthy manner but you would prefer surgery or something along those lines, then the Mediterranean diet is not for you. The Mediterranean Diet is easy, tasty (how many diets can say that), verified and really, great fun. This diet is versatile. You do not have to follow complicated meal plans and recipes. Once you have learnt how to prepare a small number of dishes, you vary and adapt these to make lots of tasty meals. Once you have the great ingredients, it really is quite simple. Lots of fresh vegetanbles and fruit are the pillars of this diet. Legumes, bread and other cereals are also prominent as indeed is virgin olive oil. Moderate quantities of red wine are allowed at meal times. There is a low consumption of animal products and fish is used a lot although white meats such as chicken can be eaten. These products that I have listed above are full of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids which are great allies in the battle against ageing. More on red wine as lots of people ask about this. Red wine is recommended at meal times because it contains lots of plant elements such as phytonutrients which are essential for good health. In addition, red wine has flavanoids which are a powerful antioxidant which is a great help in reversing the process of ageing. A less enjoyable alternative (perhaps) is to drink grape juice - it has almost all the same elements as red wine. Will a Mediterranean diet really reduce my cholesterol? There is a significant amount of evidence and research which shows that bad cholesterol is reduced if you follow this diet. They recommend a lower amount of saturated fats because a high consumption of these will increase your cholesterol. That is why full- fat dairy products and meat in large quantities are not in this diet! Olive oil has had a great press in that it has been shown to reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and also blood sugar levels. There are many food outlets now which supply all the ingredients you will need to follow the Mediterranean Diet. Delis and restaurants specializing in this type of food are now in many locations. In the link below, you will find that there are tons of tasty recipes which can be easily prepared.
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Fed up with fiddly, difficult diets ? Try the Mediterranean Diet For breaking news on Health and Fitness, visit Robert Locke's blog The Health and Fitness Bible
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