Mediterranean Diet for Beginners

Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats, the Mediterranean diet is both delicious and nutritious. It may help manage your weight, protect your heart, and prevent diabetes.

What is the Mediterranean diet?
The Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional foods of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, including France, Spain, Greece, and Italy.

Some research has suggested that people living in these regions tend to be healthier and have a lower risk of many chronic conditions, compared with people who follow a standard American diet.

It typically encourages people to:

consume more:
fruits
vegetables
whole grains
legumes
nuts and seeds
heart-healthy fats
consume less:
processed foods
added sugars
refined grains
limit alcohol consumption
Research has indicated that the Mediterranean diet can:

-promote weight loss
-help prevent heart attacks, stroke, and type 2 diabetes
-reduce the risk of premature death

For this reason, the Mediterranean diet is a suitable option for those looking to improve their health and protect against chronic disease.

Healthline content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. See a licensed medical professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Opinions expressed in this video may not reflect those of Healthline Media.