Mediterranean Diet: Lower Cholesterol And You May Reduce Your Risk Of Heart Disease By 22%

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The Mediterranean diet has become a popular choice for many Americans. But what is the Mediterranean diet? Why is it so popular? Can it really lower cholesterol?

The Mediterranean Diet Lowers Cholesterol

It seems it can. Studies have shown repeatedly that the Mediterranean diet can lower cholesterol and may reduce the risk of heart disease. But let's first talk more about exactly what the Mediterranean diet is.

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean diet is essentially a plan that follows the dietary habits of Mediterranean peoples; think Italians, Greeks, and Middle Eastern people. That immediately brings to mind foods like beans, olive oil, parsley, red wine and fish. It is because of the style of eating that many dietitians are promoting the Med. Diet. We'll look into the diet in more detail and talk about why it's so great for your heart.

Essentials of the Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is focused around an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, fatty fish, olive oil, red wine, whole grains and little meat. The combination of all these things has been shown to add up to a healthy heart. Think about it: fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, which all work in the body to keep us healthy. Fatty fish and olive oil contain those good fats that lower bad cholesterol while raising the good, in addition to keeping our arteries flexible and our blood flowing smoothly. Red wine has been linked in a number of cases to overall health due to its high antioxidant count (be sure to moderate intake). Whole grains and beans are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants as well as good fats and fiber. And, by avoiding an excess of meats, you can limit total cholesterol intake.

Does it Really Lower Cholesterol?

Yes, the Mediterranean diet has been shown over and over to have a great total impact on health and on heart health especially. When compared to a low-fat diet recommended for those who've had a heart attack, the Med. diet has been shown to be more beneficial. Plus, it's loaded with great flavors, exciting ingredients and tons of vegetables. It's good for you and it tastes even better.

More Than a Diet

More than a diet, it's really a lifestyle. If you're dedicated to lowering cholesterol by losing weight and exercising, the Med. diet may be the way to go. Lowering cholesterol should involve a lifestyle change, not a temporary fix. Try new foods, get out and walk around more, be active and really enjoy life. Choose one glass of a really great wine to have with dinner and skip all those calorie-loaded cocktails and beers. Consider eating less meat by going vegetarian once a week. Studies have shown that eating beans four times a week may lower your risk of heart disease by an astonishing 22%. When combined with diet and exercise, you'll drop your risk even more.

Sources:

http://www.emiliaklapp.com/index.php?page_id=289

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20060705/mediterranean-beats-low-fat-diet

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-mediterrean-diet

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