Five Reasons The Mediterranean Diet Has Stood Firm Through The Centuries
Diet fads come and go, but the popularity of The Mediterranean Diet has not waned and its reliance on fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains and olive oil has stood the test of time. Although The Mediterranean Diet was officially recognised in the 1960s as a healthy eating plan, its origins date back hundreds, if not thousands of years. The Mediterranean Diet refers to the nutritional and – crucially – lifestyle habits of those living near and around The Mediterranean Sea.
So, just why has this diet – relied on by athletes and celebrities alike, remained so popular when others have fallen by the wayside? Unsurprisingly, we are huge fans of the diet that keeps olive oil at its healthy heart, so we pulled together our top five reasons why The Mediterranean Diet remains so popular. And here they are;
1.The Key Principles of The Mediterranean Diet Have Never Changed
As defined by Wikipedia, the principal aspects of this diet include proportionally high consumption of unprocessed cereals, legumes, extra virgin olive oil, fruits, and vegetables, and moderate consumption of fish, dairy products (mostly cheese and yogurt), and meat products. Olive oil has been studied as a potential health factor for reducing all-cause mortality and the risk of chronic diseases.
2. There Is So Much Science To Support The Health Benefits of The Mediterranean Diet
And we really do mean a lot, here! In fact, there are so many studies which show the health benefits of The Mediterranean Diet that we can’t possibly list them all. But, fear not, we are confident that many are summarised neatly for you in our fabulous Morocco Gold e-book, Food of The Gods, available to download for free, here. Extra virgin olive oil is very healthy. In fact, it is the healthiest of all olive oils and provides a range of benefits. Perhaps one of the most important components of The Mediterranean diet for supporting health is its unique disease-fighting component, polyphenols. Polyphenols are a potent antioxidant; the amount of polyphenols found in extra virgin olive oil is truly amazing!
3. The Mediterranean Diet Has Something For Every Palate
Unlike some of the more restrictive diets out there, The Mediterranean Diet offers a huge range of food choices that – when combined with a bit of expertise and practice – truly can cater to so many tastes. As long as you keep your cupboard stocked with the basics – fruit & vegetables, nuts, whole grains, legumes, oily fish and a quality extra virgin olive oil – you can turn any meal of the day into a healthy Mediterranean feast. And we have no shortage of inspiration on our recipe pages to guide you.
4. Celebrities And Professional Athletes Really Love The Mediterranean Diet
Whether it’s Rafael Nadal’s love of Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Hollywood A-Lister Cameron Diaz’s reliance on The Mediterranean Diet, there is no shortage of high profile stars lining up to endorse the health benefits of Mediterranean nutrition and lifestyle. In addition to the obvious health benefits, the mediterranean diet is also relatively simple to follow. That means that even busy celebrities can easily incorporating it into their lives. And who knows – maybe their endorsement will help you finally stick to your New Year’s resolution to eat healthier!
5. Let’s Face It: The Key Ingredients Of The Mediterranean Diet Are Delicious
The Mediterranean Diet is beloved for its delicious flavours and health benefits. But what is it that makes the key ingredients of this diet so incredibly tasty?
One of the key components of the Mediterranean diet is a quality extra virgin olive oil. This healthy fat is not only great for your heart, but it also has a wonderful flavour that can enhance any dish. Olives themselves are also a key ingredient in the Mediterranean diet, and their distinctive taste is a perfect complement to the other flavours of this cuisine.
The colourful fruits and vegetables of the Mediterranean region are bursting with flavour, and they make a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. Moreover, the use of fresh herbs and spices further enhances the taste of Mediterranean dishes.
Finally, seafood is another key ingredient in the Mediterranean diet, and it provides a wealth of flavour and nutrients. From succulent shrimp to tender calamari, there are endless ways to enjoy the taste of the sea.
The Mediterranean diet is not only good for your health, but it also provides a wealth of delicious flavours. Thanks to its key ingredients, this cuisine is truly a feast for the senses.
