What the Mediterranean Diet Can Do for You

Many people these days want to lose weight, but they want to do it in a healthy manner. That’s why many sources of weight loss advice recommend the Mediterranean diet. Since those who reside in the Mediterranean basin are in good physical shape, someone arrived at the plan for formulating the Mediterranean diet program. This temperate region near the Mediterranean Sea takes in areas of various nations such as Italy, France, Spain, the Balkans as well as portions of Africa.

Walter Willett, a professor at Harvard University, developed the most widely known variation of the Mediterranean regimen. The diet plan involves daily physical activity, in conjunction with lots of plant food, poultry and fish, olive oil, fresh fruit for dessert, dairy products, up to four eggs per week, red meat in small amounts, and wine with meals. The diet strictly restrains fat so that only a total of about 35% of calories come from fat. It’s considered to be a low-fat, high fiber diet program. It became popular in the 1990′s, but the Mediterranean diet plan has been in existence since 1945.

The Mediterranean diet plan substitutes olive oil instead of animal fats used by a lot of Americans. Olive oil has lots of benefits such as reducing cholesterol and blood glucose. Studies have shown that olive oil helps cut the risk of numerous types of cancer and ulcers. Antioxidant components in red wine, an important part of the Mediterranean diet, are also beneficial.

Versions of the Mediterranean diet plan are recommended by the American Heart Association. However, the association is concerned about the high amount of fat in the Mediterranean diet plan. The AHA points to the increasing obesity situation in the Mediterranean district.The AHA does take solace in the fact that monounsaturated fats such as those found in olive oil don’t elevate cholesterol levels. Investigators aren’t sure whether superior wellness of the people in the Mediterranean basin is due to their food intake or the fact they get a lot of physical activity, mostly from walking.

The Mediterranean diet is one of the most healthy weight loss programs you can find. A Google search is a great source of information on the Mediterranean diet. Your heart and your waistline will both win if you decide to follow this plan.

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