Mediterranean diet: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (2024)

FAQs

What is the Mediterranean diet Medlineplus? ›

The Mediterranean-style diet has fewer meats and carbohydrates than a typical American diet. It also has more plant-based foods and monounsaturated (good) fat. People who live in Italy, Spain, and other countries in the Mediterranean region have eaten this way for centuries.

Bottom Line. Research supports the use of the Mediterranean diet as a healthy eating pattern for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, increasing lifespan, and healthy aging. When used in conjunction with caloric restriction, the diet may also support healthy weight loss.

In some cases, the Mediterranean diet may lead to: Weight gain from eating more than the recommended amount of fat (such as in olive oil and nuts) Low levels of iron from not eating enough meat. Calcium loss from eating fewer dairy products.

Today, the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthy eating plans that American nutrition experts recommend. It's also recognized by the World Health Organization as a healthy-eating pattern. Many cultures have eating patterns similar to the Mediterranean diet, including Japan, for example.

The Mediterranean diet is high in plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Foods not allowed include processed red meats, heavily processed foods, refined grains, alcohol, butter, and refined/processed/hydrogenated oils.

Additionally, the Mediterranean Diet embraces consumption of seafood, which offers omega-3 fatty acids. Eggs, poultry, yogurt, and cheese are also authentic Mediterranean foods that are enjoyed in moderation. Red meats and sweets are reserved for special occasions.

Yes. A Mediterranean-style diet can help you achieve the American Heart Association's recommendations for a healthy dietary pattern that: emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and legumes; includes low-fat or fat-free dairy products, fish, poultry, non-tropical vegetable oils and nuts; and.

Mediterranean Diet, DASH Diet, and MIND Diets Are the Best Diets of 2024. All three diets are highly recommended by doctors because of their known health benefits.

Common Mediterranean Breakfast Foods

Yogurt: We love Greek yogurt which is higher in protein, and lower in sugar. Eggs: A great source of protein and healthy fats. Oats: A healthy whole grain used in oatmeal and baked goods. Fruit: All types of fruit are encouraged on the Mediterranean diet.

Is rice allowed on a Mediterranean diet? ›

The Mediterranean diet is centered around whole grains, such as farro, millet, couscous and brown rice. With this eating style, you'll generally want to limit your intake of refined grains such as white pasta and white bread. When you're following the Mediterranean diet, red wine should be your chosen alcoholic drink.

“The Mediterranean diet is high in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts, which are all rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber,” says Pate. “These foods have been linked to reduced inflammation, improved immune function, and a lower risk of chronic diseases.”

And as plant-based protein sources that are high in good and unsaturated fats, peanuts and peanut butter are a natural fit within Mediterranean and Flexitarian ways of eating. Unfamiliar with the Mediterranean and Flexitarian diets?

On the Mediterranean diet, all foods are included. So the good news is, if you love potatoes (who doesn't?!) then you can continue eating them on the Mediterranean diet. Try our Roasted Mediterranean Potatoes made with herbs, heart healthy oil, and vitamin C-rich lemon!

Lunch on the Mediterranean diet typically includes colorful ingredients — like vegetables and whole grains — that are flavorful and packed with nutrients. You can enjoy meals like falafel sandwiches, quinoa bowls, and tuna salads for lunch while following this diet.

The Mediterranean diet is a pattern of eating that focuses more on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes, lean proteins from fish and poultry, good fats from olive oil, and some dairy, while limiting consumption of sweets and red meats.