Cretan diet and Mediterranean diet

Through various studies, some of which started in the 60s, it was found that populations of the basin Mediterranean had a fat intake as large as in the countries of northern Europe and were still much less affected by the disease Cardio-vascular and certain cancers.

It was Ridge who alerted first, then the mortality rate for cardiovascular disease was 95% lower than the United States and 96% to that of Finland, the country most exposed. This explains why it has long talked about Cretan diet before Mediterranean diet take precedence.
 

The Mediterranean diet

So eat that, for centuries, the inhabitants of the basin countries Mediterranean ? What they produce.

Of Fruit and Vegetables(fiber, Vitamins, carotenes and minerals providing antioxidants), bread and Pulses (carbohydrate and fiber), few meat (so little ofSaturated fatty acids) But poultry and especially fish (thus Omega 3 "anti" bad cholesterol). They cook in theolive oil (linoleic acid guard) and they drink Wine (protective polyphenols and tannins).

It has long wondered what, in all these foods, this effect was particularly beneficial. Olive oil? The wine? Until we conclude that this was not part of this diet was protective, but all in all.

Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet finally the model of a balanced diet where we cook with olive oil.

Which means: vegetables at every lunch and every dinner, Cereals (pasta, rice) And bread Complete sufficient quantities each day, Pulses two or three times a week, small servings of meat (and not every day), no or very little deliOf Poultry rather than meat, fish at least three times a week, Fruit for dessert at every meal, two to three wine glasses red day.

The butter and cream are not entirely avoided but used in very small quantities.
Obviously, the dishes industry has no place in the Mediterranean diet.
This Mediterranean diet Not really difficult to implement and it has largely proved protective.