The Mediterranean diet can help you live longer and much healthier. This is based on real results and real people. The diet is based on high consumption of fruits, vegetables, seafood, legumes, and olive oil. It should be no surprise that the Mediterranean diet in Greece is much different than the typical American diet. The Greeks consume twice as much fruit, three times as much whole-grain, 13 times as much seafood, significantly more vegetables and lots more virgin olive oil than the average American. Americans, with all of our wealth and access to information, still have one of the worst diets in the world. Far too much processed food, very low levels of fiber and very little fresh, whole, uncooked vitamin rich food.
While the diets in Greece and the U.S. contain about the same amount of fat, there is much less saturated fat in the Mediterranean diet......50% less! That is because Greeks eat about eight times less meat (saturated fat) than their U.S. counterparts while consuming lots more cold-pressed olive oil (monounsaturated fat). These differences mean a longer and healthier life. There is less coronary artery and cerebrovascular disease. There is 20% less cancer with 50% less breast cancer and three times less colorectal cancer. While other factors are certainly involved, experts believe that the Greek Mediterranean diet is the predominating factor in this longer, healthier life.
That is the beauty of the Mediterranean diet. It is the most healthful diet on earth. And it is even better when you individualize it. If you have diabetes, Syndrome X, or insulin problems, you should reduce your carbohydrate intake. If you have allergies or sensitivities, you might consider using the blood-type diet, starting first with an elimination diet to remove the foods that cause you problems. But in all cases, the base is the same - real food for real people. Just as it does with supplements - your body does know the difference. The best diet consists of natural, whole foods (organic if possible). And the best supplements are made from organic, whole foods. Stick with this philosophy and you can't go wrong.
Ciao for now and buon appatito
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Hey Jim. This is great information. I can pair this with the daily exercise you encouraged me to do. Can you tell me what you know about the new Acai Berry fad that everyone is talking about. I hear conflicting information
ReplyDeleteHi Molly,
ReplyDeleteThe Acai Berry is a nutritious food that is good for you. But don't believe all the claims about it. As usual, they have blown them way out of proportion. It does have a lot of antioxidents and it should be helpful. But it is usually pretty high priced. I would not tell you not to use it, but there are many good foods that you could eat to be healthy too.
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