The Mediterranean Diet is not a "diet" but a delicious and healthy way to eat that keeps you fit and healthy. This diet has been described as the "Gold standard of healthy eating". It is inspired by the traditional food patterns of Spain, Italy and Greece.

A Mediterranean diet menu emphasizes the consumption of olive oil, cereals, vegetables, fruit, fish, and legumes, while recommending moderate consumption of dairy products, eggs, meat and wine. Statistics show that people who follow this way of eating have 70% more life expectancy than those who don’t follow it and that they are less prone to diseases.

It is surprising to learn about the many health benefits this diet provides. It protects from heart disease, lowers high cholesterol levels, the bad ones, and can prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson diseases. Being rich in fiber, a Mediterranean diet slows down digestion preventing wild swings in blood sugar, reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity to reduce obesity. The principal ingredient of this diet is consumption of olive oil. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that help lower LDL cholesterol and protect us from chronic diseases.

If you want a healthy lifestyle and you are interested in knowing about the powerful effects of a traditional Mediterranean diet, you must read the book "Your Heart Needs the Mediterranean Diet". This book reveals the secrets of an age old and healthy diet that by no means is a strict dietary regime. Rather, it gives you some tips to lead a hearty life.

This book tells you which foods are good for your health and which ones are to be avoided; why you should include foods such as garlic and tomatoes, how you can reduce the risk of heart disease and why it is essential to include fruits and vegetables in your daily schedule. "Your Heart Needs the Mediterranean Diet" answers most of your queries in an easy to understand format. The book also provides information about healthy recipes that are easy to make and delicious to eat!

Research shows that a healthy Mediterranean diet plan reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. According to a study published by British Medical Journal, the traditional Mediterranean diet provides protection against Type 2 diabetes. Another study shows that this kind of diet leads to reduction in the incidence of diseases such as high blood pressure, Parkinson and Alzheimer’s. This diet also reduces the frequency of occurrence of mini strokes.

When research shows so many health benefits associated with traditional Mediterranean diet meal plans, we should definitely follow them. In today’s world, where we barely have time for ourselves, engaged as we are in racing ahead and competing with the rest of the world, we tend to ignore many eating habits that lead to good health. It is important that we consume rich and nutritious foods to stay fit and have energy. If you try to follow the simple steps outlined in "Your Heart Needs the Mediterranean Diet", you will experience a change within you. Stay fit and healthy and lead a wonderful and happy life. After all, we all know that "Health is Wealth". Give a good quality life to your family and loved ones by providing them with a wholesome diet.