A few years ago, the New England Journal of Medicine published a study that showed that those who followed a Mediterranean diet plan were 30% less likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease. Leading publications including the New York Times placed this story on the front page. The already growing interest in Mediterranean food took off from there. Great taste and good health – what’s not to like? While everyone loves food, many people don’t understand what cuisine is all about. For them, and for those who may have missed Mediterranean Food 101, here’s an armchair travelogue through Mediterranean food.

⦁ It's Wrong to Call It a Diet: The word diet implies a controlled intake of food for health, weight loss, or other reasons. People in the Mediterranean region do not diet. They eat the food they love and do not scrimp on what they consume. They do not overeat, but that’s it. They smile at people who limit their intake and count their calories.

⦁ The Food Is Healthy: The staples, the other ingredients, and the way the food is prepared are all healthy so there is no need to strictly measure the amount you eat. For those who do want to lose weight, there is no need to count calories or deny yourself the food you enjoy. Eat in moderation (without remaining hungry) and your weight will be controlled almost automatically. 

Also Read: Making Gyros at Home

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⦁ There Is a Lot of Fat: When diet-conscious tourists first went to the Mediterranean island of Crete in the 1940s, they were amazed at the number of fat people consumed. It made up almost 40% of the total calorie intake. Despite this, the prevalence of heart disease was very low. The reason is that most of the fat (30%) is in the form of extra virgin olive oil and the remaining 10% came from healthy seeds and nuts.

⦁ People Drink Alcohol, Even for Breakfast: In many parts of the Mediterranean, people drink wine along with their meals, often even at breakfast. It does them no harm and is good for them. The reason is that the wine is consumed in small quantities and is drunk along with food. This has an anti-inflammatory effect and aids in digestion. On the other hand, a few bottles of beer and a burger with all the toppings are inflammatory.

Also Read: Turkish Appetizers Are Great with Any Meal

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⦁ Lots of Veggies Consumed: Mediterranean cuisine is plant-based and involves the preparation of fresh vegetables in extra virgin olive oil. Fresh herbs and spices are used to enhance the flavor. This is far tastier and healthier than defrosting and cooking frozen vegetables. Try the traditional tabbouleh, a fresh and tasty salad, and you will keep coming back for more.

⦁ The Meat Is Packed with Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The animals and chicken used in Mediterranean food are fed fresh grass and herbs which means the meat is rich in healthy omega-3. The fish is from the sea and not farm grown. Farm-grown fish are fed artificial food which is lacking in omega-3. When animals and fish are fed artificial foods to fatten them, the amount of omega-3 nutrients in the meat is greatly reduced. As meat lovers know, Mediterranean food is also known for offering the best kebabs.

To be sure of getting the best, freshest, and healthiest ingredients and to eat real Mediterranean food with all its health benefits, buy ingredients from a Mediterranean grocery store.

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