What is it, food pyramid and benefits

The Mediterranean diet is a balanced and healthy diet, which has become a real lifestyle. We discover what it is and why it is part of everyday life!

Known as a balanced diet, the Mediterranean diet is a way of life also practiced in Italy and since 2010 is UNESCO heritage. Designed by the American biologist and physiologist Ancel Keys, the diet is based on a diet rich in seasonal fruits and vegetables whole grains, bread, olive oil, fish and wine, limiting sugars and saturated fats. It is divided into 5 groups positioned on a food pyramid to understand what foods to promote and which foods to eat less frequently

It brings many benefits including the heart, it removes the risk of diabetes, prevents dementia senile and Alzheimer's disease and protects against certain types of cancer. It also reduces inflammation and has a strong antioxidant power.

Food Pyramid of the Mediterranean Diet

The food pyramid includes in the first two stages the foods to be consumed daily : fruits, vegetables, bread, pasta or rice, milk and by-products and extra virgin olive oil. olive. In the third and fourth stages foods to be eaten in moderation are marked, that is, fish, meat and eggs. Rarely on the other hand, saturated, fried and sweetened fats can be eaten

In addition to having a healthy and authentic diet, the Mediterranean Diet provides for other practices : drink plenty of water, practice physical activity to moderate alcohol consumption, to prefer seasonal products and to reduce the use of salt with spices and herbs.

Thus, the food model of the Mediterranean diet provides for the use of organic food, fresh in season and especially local production. Every day you can take olive oil, milk and dairy products; Once or twice a week, you can consume white meat, while red meat must be consumed at least twice a month. Two to three times a week, fish and vegetables can be consumed, eggs can be eaten 7 times a week and sweets, on the other hand, should only be eaten on special occasions. It is necessary to reduce the consumption of salt, white sugar, alcohol, fried foods, soft drinks, sausages, sausages, mayonnaise and various sauces.

The diet, therefore, if followed correctly and accurately can allow you to gain weight, if not even to lose weight. To keep fit, therefore, it's a great food model to follow with caution!

Source photo cover: https://pixabay.com/it/cereali-prima-colazione-pasto-cibo-898073/