The Main Foods in a Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is healthy and focuses on plant-based foods, lean proteins, and unsaturated fats. It has several health benefits, such as lowering your risk of heart disease and making your brain work better.

The main foods in the diet are fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes, olive oil, fish, nuts, and seeds. These healthy, low-calorie meals are full of vitamins and minerals.

Olive oil

Olive oil, a major part of the Mediterranean diet, is a healthy fat that helps lower cholesterol levels. It also has antioxidants that help fight inflammation in the body, which is a major cause of long-term diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Polyphenols, which are found in olive oil, have been shown to make insulin work better, lower the risk of getting type 2 diabetes, or help keep diabetes under control. It is also associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and brain disorders.

Seafood

The Mediterranean diet is a traditional eating plan that has been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases. It emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and olive oil, as well as healthy fats from nuts and seafood.

Seafood is a big part of the diet because it is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and make cholesterol levels better. Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and herring are recommended for their lean protein and omega-3 content.

Herbs and spices

Herbs and spices are one of the key components of the Mediterranean diet. They add flavor to your meals while providing numerous health benefits.

Herbal remedies include mint, which has a sweet taste and helps boost the immune system and lower blood pressure. It also has antimicrobial properties that keep your digestive system running smoothly.

Thyme, a fragrant herb that’s often dried, is another healthy addition to your Mediterranean diet arsenal. It’s a source of minerals such as potassium and iron, which help control your blood pressure.

Beans and legumes

Beans and legumes are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

The Fabaceae family includes beans, peas, and lentils (also called pulses). Legumes are inexpensive and can be easily added to soups and stews.

For best results, soak a cup of dry legumes in cool water for at least an hour before cooking. If you prefer to cook your beans or legumes fresh, bring the beans to a boil and simmer until soft, adding more water as needed.

Cheese and fermented dairy

Cheese and fermented dairy products are an important part of the Mediterranean diet. These foods are rich in calcium, protein, and probiotics.

They are also high in heart-healthy fats. These fats reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels.

To make cheese, milk, whey, and other liquids are mixed with casein micelles to make them stick together. During the process, cultures—good bacteria, molds, and yeasts–and enzymes convert the whey to curds that form the cheese.

Greens

Getting plenty of fresh vegetables is the key to a healthy Mediterranean diet. Vegetables help promote satiety and provide important nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

In addition to vegetables, a traditional Mediterranean diet also includes fruit, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. All of these foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

A green version of the Mediterranean diet focuses on even more plant foods and very little red meat or poultry. This modified plan showed significantly better results for weight loss and cardiovascular and metabolic health.