The Mediterranean diet represents the cuisines of more than a dozen nations in southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. These diets vary considerably, but each tends to be rich in plant foods, which health experts claim contributes to the general health and increased longevity of the people who live in these regions.
Facts
The Mediterranean diet is a high-fat diet, with 30 to 40 percent of calories coming from fat. Most of this fat, however, is in the form of heart-healthy unsaturated fat, found in olive oil, nuts and fish. Diets high in unsaturated fat reduce risk for heart disease by helping to decrease blood pressure and increase good cholesterol levels, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Features
Mediterranean cuisine celebrates fresh fruits, vegetables and beans, which are showcased at nearly every meal and never relegated to limp side dishes. These foods contribute to meals that are relatively low in calories, despite liberal use of calorie-dense olive oil.
Considerations
You could reduce the calories in the Mediterranean diet by cutting back on olive oil. Doing so, however, not only reduces your intake of heart-healthy fats, but also changes the flavors and textures that make this food so appealing. As a result, you could find yourself eating fewer vegetables, which may undermine your health or weight-loss goals.
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