The Mediterranean Diet is not a specific diet plan but a collection of healthy eating diet plans followed by the people from the Mediterranean region.

Many studies have confirmed that people from the Mediterranean countries and Southern Europe who follow the Mediterranean Diet live longer and suffer far less from heart disease than Northern Europeans and Americans.

That is why the Mediterranean healthy eating diet plan has become more and more popular for the past few years – especially the fruits, vegetables, olive oil and seafood.

The common aspects to all cuisines of the countries from the Mediterranean region are:

High consumption of:

• fresh fruits and vegetables everyday (rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants)
• dried fruits – dates 2-3 times a week (rich in magnesium an Vitamin B9)
• grains and other cereals, such as  bread, macaroni and rice (fiber rich foods, which are great for everyday consumption)
• potatoes, beans, nuts, seeds, garlic, fresh herbs
• olive oil for cooking and dressings (rich in fatty acids)
• seafood – fish at least 3 times a week (lowers cholesterol and is rich in omega-3 fatty acid, which is an essential fatty acid*)

Moderate consumption of:

• meat in moderation and poultry – eaten more frequently
• wine in moderation usually with meals – about 2-3 glasses a day (great source of flavonoids – powerful antioxidants, also contained in green tea)
• low to moderate consumption of full fat cheese and yogurt

* Essential fatty acids are required in everybody’s diet; because of the fact that they can’t be synthesized by the body from any other fatty acids you consume, they must be obtained from food, such as fish.

As you can see the Mediterranean Diet is a very healthy eating diet plan, containing delicious organic foods, which are extremely beneficial to your overall health and wellness.

You should be careful not to exceed your daily caloric intake with this diet, because you can gain extra weight, which is not the effect you want

Following the Mediterranean Diet means healthy eating in moderate amounts and calorie counts, which will lead you to natural weight loss and great health.