Basically, it can be said that people living on the Mediterranean coast are much healthier than, for example, Hungarians. Scientists now know the reasons why. One of these reasons is the Mediterranean diet, which is much healthier than that of Hungarians. A great deal of research has been carried out, and one of the things that has emerged is that cardiovascular disease is an almost unknown concept among people living on the Mediterranean coast, and that it has something to do with diet. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why we should love the Mediterranean diet.
The Mediterranean diet is always about fresh and seasonal foods. Every season has its vegetables and fruits, which are a good basis for planning your daily menu. In summer, it’s true, there’s more choice, but who says you can’t make a good meal out of cabbage, sweet potatoes or even leeks in winter? Always focus on fresh and seasonal fruit and vegetables, as they are juicy, tasty and healthy.
Bread is also not forbidden in the Mediterranean diet. Just make sure you bake it with wholemeal flour and add olive oil.
Fat is not forbidden either, but it is not always the same. Focus on monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil. Don’t forget omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish, but also in nuts and seeds.
Spices and seasoning also play a prominent role in the Mediterranean diet. Limit your salt intake – many people will be upset, but no, it is not healthy to consume large amounts of salt, it can be consumed, but in moderation, even if many people believe that it is healthy to consume large amounts of salt – by regularly consuming herbs, which can be a great flavouring for your food, such as rosemary, thyme or coriander.
We can also drink wine, which is good for the heart, circulation and brain, but only in moderation. It is true that you can eat almost anything, but you have to be careful how you prepare it and in moderation. No food is devil’s food, and it is impossible to imagine living on seeds alone, since man is omnivorous. But the only way to eat a wide variety of foods with impunity is to learn to prepare them healthily and to eat only enough at a meal to be about 70 per cent full, as the Japanese do, but that is a subject for another article.
