What is the Mediterranean diet? Is it really healthy?

There are at least 16 countries and regions around the Mediterranean. These countries have different cultures, nationalities, religious beliefs and eating habits. However, due to the same climate and products, different eating habits have many similar characteristics, which constitutes a special eating pattern, which is the Mediterranean diet. The eating habits of Greece, southern Italy and Spain are the most typical.

The Mediterranean diet is characterized by simplicity, lightness and rich nutrition. Emphasize eating more vegetables, fruits, seafood, beans and nuts, eating grains in moderation, and using olive oil when cooking. Specifically, it has the following characteristics:

Plant food accounts for a large proportion in the diet, including all kinds of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and nuts. Simple cooking, low degree of processing, characterized by fresh and light. The edible oil is mainly olive oil. The proportion of fat energy supply is 25 ~ 35%, of which saturated fat only accounts for about a quarter to a third. Most people drink yogurt, milk and a little cheese every day. A long time ago, a large-scale population survey found that people in the Mediterranean were healthy, with a low obesity rate, and the incidence of chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease was also low. After research, it is found that this is related to the local Mediterranean diet.

The proportion of fat energy supply in Mediterranean diet is not low, but olive oil and fish oil are the main ones, and saturated fat is less. Rarely eat red meat. Protein mainly comes from fish, shrimp, poultry, eggs and dairy products. Rich in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. Modern nutrition and epidemiology have confirmed that Mediterranean diet can reduce the incidence of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, and correspondingly reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Therefore, the Mediterranean diet is recognized as a healthy eating pattern and is recognized all over the world.

However, Fu Dad wants to point out that the Mediterranean diet model is not the only healthy diet model. Every country and region has its own traditional dominant culture. While following local eating habits, we can form healthy eating habits that suit us by making appropriate improvements according to basic nutrition knowledge. Take the traditional diet in China as an example. As long as we reduce some red meat, increase some fish and shrimp dairy products and reduce a little salt and oil, our Chinese food is also very healthy.