1. The Big Fat Greek Diet
The Cretan Diet, also known as the Mediterranean Diet, is one of the healthiest eating plans in the world. Based on the daily meals of people living on Crete, a tiny island off the coast of Greece, the Cretan Diet incorporates fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats from olive oil, nuts and fish. During a 1960s study, people living in Crete had the longest life expectancy in the entire world, thanks to their healthy diet plan. Today the Cretan Diet helps people with heart disease as well as those who suffer from arthritis.
2. Your Heart Will Love the Cretan Diet
The Cretan Diet incorporates lots of fish and olive oil, two major carriers of omega-3 fatty acids. Eating omega-3 fatty acids on a regular basis decreases triglycerides and boosts HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Eating fat from these sources, rather than from dairy products like butter and cheese, cuts down on the amount of saturated fat in your diet, further lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart problems so you can keep your heart healthy.
3. Enjoy Food the Cretan Way
One of the reasons the Cretan Diet is so successful is because it tastes good. It incorporates fresh ingredients and spices, creating delicious meal options for every meal. Here a just a few guidelines for eating on the Cretan Diet: eat at least one piece of fruit with breakfast, cut back on the meat (opt for fish instead), snack on nuts (no more than a handful per day) and dried fruit. Switch butter for rich tasting olive oil.
4. Drink Up on the Mediterranean Diet
Go ahead enjoy a glass of wine with dinner. Wine is a heart healthy drink, loaded with antioxidants. However, one glass of wine is plenty for women, while men have a two-glass limit. If you have problems with alcohol or a history of alcoholism in your family, you may want to skip the wine all together.
5. Banish Arthritis With the Cretan Diet
Some of the newest findings on the Cretan Diet are its role in fighting arthritis. The heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids, prevalent in the Cretan diet, reduce the pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis. The same oils that promote a healthy heart also help reduce inflammation, the main cause of pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Why food on the Mediterranean Diet helps decrease inflammation is still being studied by researchers.
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