The Scoop on the Mediterranean Diet
This diet can improve heart health and help you lose weight.
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May Is National Mediterranean Diet Month - May commemorates National Mediterranean Diet Month. Read more about this scientifically proven diet that can improve your heart health and help you lose weight. —Kellee Terrell (Photo: David Silverman/Getty Images)
Photo By Photo: David Silverman/Getty Images
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What Is the Mediterranean Diet? - This food regimen originates from Southern Italy, Greece and Spain. It includes eating an abundance of olive oil, legumes, vegetables, fruits, olives, spices, whole grains, fish, milk and cheese (in moderation). Also, you can enjoy seafood and poultry a couple of times a week, saving candy, sweets and red meat for special occasions. (Photo: Studio Schiermann/Getty Images)
Photo By Studio Schiermann/Getty Images
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Why Is It Healthy? - Gone are fast food items, animal fats, trans fats, saturated fats and hydrogenated oils — all factors that raise our risk for poorer health and obesity. Instead, this diet is rich with whole grains, local produce, lean meats and foods high in antioxidants. (Photo: David Silverman/Getty Images)
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Heart Healthy Benefits - One of the major benefits of the Mediterranean diet is that is can help your ticker. A past study found that following this diet for five years lowered heart disease risk by 30 percent in people who were at risk for the chronic illness. It’s also been shown to reduce blood pressure and “bad” LDL cholesterol. (Photo: Science PR/Getty Images)
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Other Health Benefits - The Mediterranean diet has also been found to lower one’s risk of cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s; increase brain health; and help control one’s diabetes and blood sugar levels. It can also help you lose weight. But remember, you still have to watch your calorie intake with this diet and work out in order for this to reap its full weight-loss benefits. (Photo: Siri Stafford/Getty Images)
Photo By Siri Stafford/Getty Images
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African-Americans and the Mediterranean Diet - While past studies have shown that this diet may improve whites’ memories better than African-Americans, the majority of health benefits don’t have any racial differences. But watch out for the high sodium intake, a factor that can compromise Black heart health. Be easy on the olives and other foods by reading the food labels. (Photo: Abel Mitja Varela/Getty Images)
Photo By Abel Mitja Varela/Getty Images
