Daily Medical Advices

The Mediterranean diet does not exist. It sounds strong, but we must bear in mind that some 16 countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, so that the diet varies from country to country, even between regions within a country.

The cultural, ethnic, religious, economic and agricultural produce different diets, different forms of food.

However, there are similarities between the dietary patterns of the Mediterranean. These common features are those commonly associated with the Mediterranean diet:

1. High consumption of fruits, vegetables, bread and other cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds.
2. Olive oil is a major source of monounsaturated fat.
3. The fish and dairy products consumed in moderate portions also eat some red meat.
4. The eggs are present up to 4 times a week.
5. The wine you drink little or moderately.

Despite what you might believe the Mediterranean diet does not follow the recommendations given by medical associations, actually contains a relatively high percentage of calories from fat, and therefore contributing to increased obesity in Mediterranean countries, which is becoming a concern.

People who follow the average Mediterranean diet eat less saturated fat than those who eat a diet similar to that of Americans.

It should be remembered that the consumption of saturated fat has its limits within the ideal diet, without being banned altogether.

More than half the calories from fat of the Mediterranean diet are monounsaturated, also have their origin in olive oil, mainly.

The incidence of heart problems in Mediterranean countries is lower than this in the United States and the mortality rate, but this is not due solely to the diet. Lifestyle, including physical activity and support of local people play an important role in health.

Before advising people to follow the Mediterranean diet is a need for more studies that verify whether the diet itself or other factors related to lifestyle, contributing to the decline in deaths and heart disease.