The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean Diet is a healthy and well balanced diet. It originated along the coastal regions of the Mediterranean Sea and was inspired by its inhabitants. People living along these regions, using the Mediterranean food pyramid, continue to benefit from the abundance and fruitful bounty of the land. Their key dietary habits, along with an active lifestyle, have been identified as a vital part of the area's lower rates of chronic diseases and have been attributed to their longevity. The Mediterranean Diet is rich in many antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Studies have shown that the Mediterranean Diet can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, cancers, stroke, cholesterol and diabetes.

The official Mediterranean Diet Pyramid was created in 1993 by a team of nutritional scientists and Oldways which is a non profit food think tank. This pyramid is used to present an easy to follow and understand graphic representation of the Mediterranean Diet. This pyramid emphasizes the importance of grains, fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, olive oil, fish, and daily physical activity as a gold standard of health. To view an official copy of the mediterranean diet pyramid and for more information about Oldways visit www.oldwayspt.org.