Isn the olive oil-containing Mediterranean diet a healthy diet, though?
The Mediterranean diet is a relatively healthy diet, but that does not mean that it is the ideal dietary approach. True, olive oil contains flavonoids, phytochemicals that my help prevent chronic diseases. But one can also obtain an abundance of flavonoids with similar properties by consuming low fat fruits and vegetables. Further, there is more to the Mediterranean diet than just olive oil. It is a plant-based diet containing relatively modest amounts of animal products. These dietary factors may be largely responsible for the beneficial effects on health. Other factors, such as a low stress lifestyle, may also contribute to the health of those in the Mediterranean region.
