Why is the Mediterranean Diet Heart Healthy?
The Mediterranean style diet can be heart healthy in many ways. In a Mediterranean style diet, much of the fat comes from unsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids are healthier for the heart than saturated fats. These diets are also high in fruits, vegetables, breads, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds. Some of these foods are known to protect against heart disease or contain heart healthy nutrients. Wine is consumed fairly regularly and some research suggests that a moderate consumption of alcohol, especially red wine which contains antioxidants, is heart healthy. Mediterranean Diet Goals If you want to follow a Mediterranean style diet that is also heart healthy try meeting these goals: Olive Oil – Use olive oil as your primary source of fat. Substitute olive oil for butter, margarine and other vegetable oils. Plant Foods – Base you diet on plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, nuts and seeds. Fish and Poultry – Eat fish and poultry a few times per week, in low to mod
