The Mediterranean Diet is characterized by its inclusion of sizable portions of pasta, whole grain bread, fruits, vegetables, and the occasional glass of red wine.
For the most part, the consumption of red meat is discouraged, but a practitioner of this diet is encouraged to consume small portions of fish and poultry 1-3 times a week.
The roots of this diet can be found in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, and residents of these countries have been found to encounter lower instances of cardiovascular and hereditary disease.
So why exactly is this diet so beneficial for the human body when compared to other diets? Most nutritional experts believe that the foods used in the diet reduce the amount of fat found in the blood vessels of the human body and that the diet increases the body's level of natural antioxidants, such as vitamins C & E.
Critics of this diet like to focus upon the fact that almost 40% of the diet's calories are derived from fat, but the types of fat found in this diet are quite specific.
The fats of the Mediterranean Diet are primarily derived from fish, which is high in monosaturates.
Monosaturates are believed to protect the cell membranes of the human body from damage caused by free radicals.
In a similar fashion, the Mediterranean Diet encourages the consumption of large quantities of nuts, legumes, and other plant based foods.
These foods are rich in alpha-linolenic acid, an acid that is known for its ability to protect the cardiovascular system from heart attacks.
Likewise, even the moderate consumption of red wine in the Mediterranean Diet has its benefits.
Certain properties of the red wine cause the blood to thin slightly, which significantly reduces the chances that it will clot in the blood vessels.
The health benefits of other portions of the Mediterranean Diet are well known.
For example, plain yogurt, a highly encouraged snack in the diet, is a rich source of calcium.
Calcium is essential to the proper maintenance of bones.
Olive oil is another essential component of the Mediterranean Diet, and it is used as a substitute for butter and cooking oil in food preparation.
Like fish, olive oil is high in monosaturated fats and natural antioxidants.
The numerous benefits of the Mediterranean Diet can be attributed to numerous dietary factors, but it remains one of the most recommended programs by medical professionals for their patients.