Health Benefits of Meditteranean Diet

What is a Meditteranean diet?

The Meditteranean diet is one of the healthiest ways of eating. A Meditteranean cuisine comprises of 50% carbohydrates, 30% proteins and 20% fats. One has to eat 5-times in a day- breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks(mid-morning 11am and evening 6pm).

What are the health benefits of Meditteranean diet?

• Rich in anti-oxidants.
• Helps in weight loss and can be continued as maintenance diet.
• Increases body's metabolism.
• Its anti-inflammatory properties protects from chronic diseases.
• Lowers the risk of heart disease, type-2 diabetes.
• Fights cancer.
• Protects against allergies and infection.

Guidelines for adopting the Meditteranean diet-

• Mix carbohydrates and proteins.
• Olive oil should be the primary source of dietary fat.
• Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, breads, grains, beans, nuts and seeds.
• Drink atleast 6-glasses of water daily.
• Wine is allowed in moderation (1glass for women and 1-2glasses for men).
• Cut down on red meat.
• Include fish and poultry in moderation.
• Eat low to moderate amount of cheese and yoghurt daily.

Daily physical activity is very important.