What is the Mediterranean Diet?

We all have heard about the Mediterranean diet and there are a number of best-selling diet books that explain it.  Yet, a lot of us are really not sure what it is and what it is supposed to do for you.  So, what is the Mediterranean diet?

In the May 2013 edition of the Nutrition Action Newsletter, there is a very helpful explanation of the Mediterranean diet and what it is and what it isn't, "Mediterranean Mix-Up." The article suggests that the original diet studied in the 1940s of the residents of Crete who had very low rates of heart disease consisted largely of bread, pasta and other grains (40%) and oils (30%).  However, the Mediterranean diet being touted today is heavy on beans, fruit, vegetables, fish, nuts as well as olive oil.  The article concludes that the Mediterranean diet as referred today is really quite similar to the DASH and Omniheart diets.

The Omniheart diet in particular favors large servings of the same foods that make up the Mediterranean diet and limits the amount of red meat, dairy and desserts and sweets.

In any event, by whatever name it is called, the foods at the heart of the Mediterranean diet (no pun intended) have been shown by numerous studies to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, strokes and high blood pressure. Bottom line is that it is certainly worth trying.

How to Live Forever

Do you want to live forever?  Of course you do.  While living forever is impossible, there are things you can do that may prolong your life and enable you to function well into old age. In Sunday's New York Times Magazine, author Dan Buettner chronicles the lives of men and women who live on the Greek island of Ikaria who seem to live forever or at least live very long lives.  "The Enchanted Island of Centenarians." The New York Times Magazine, October 28, 2012. The article reports that the 10,000 residents of the island are two and a half times more likely to reach the age of 90 than people in the United States.

The article discusses the lifestyle that seems to be the basis for the longevity of the people on the island, located about 30 miles from Turkey. The article is derived from a new edition of the author's book, "Blue Zones", which was written with the support of the National Geographic Society. And no, "blue zones" does not refer to the political designation of states in the United States as either blue or red states. 

So, what is the secret. Well, part of it is really no secret any longer.  We have all heard of the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and olive oil. Red wine, coffee and tea are the drinks of choice.  Meat, particularly red meat, is eaten sparingly.  In addition to diet, it appears that a laid back approach to life. Many of the residents do not have watches or clocks. No alarm clocks for them.  They arise naturally and often have a breakfast of yogurt with honey. In the afternoon, they will usually take a nap.  In the meanwhile, they work in their gardens and perform other physical activity.

Another key factor in the islanders longevity appears to be their social interactions with their neighbors.  They attend church together, they get together for various holidays and are very much involved with what is going on in their communities.

While there is no guarantee that you will live as long as the Ikarians if you follow this program, there is no harm in trying and, who knows, you might well make it to the 100 year mark after all!