We tell you what the Mediterranean diet is and why you should follow it

We know that any excuse to travel is good, but you really don’t have to move to Italy or Greece to enjoy the great benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Treat your palate to delicious dishes and significantly improve your health by following the principles of the Mediterranean diet. What is the Mediterranean diet? This type of eating is based on the habits of Mediterranean countries (France, Greece, Italy, and Spain). Although there are variations from one place to another, broadly speaking, the Mediterranean diet is characterized by a high consumption of vegetables, fruits, fish, and unsaturated fats. And, of course, red wine is present (in moderation). How can I follow the Mediterranean diet? It’s true that Italian or French food doesn’t resemble Mexican food very much. However, the ingredients of the Mediterranean diet are easy to find (and cook). What you need to do to follow this diet is: Use more olive oil and less sunflower oil or butter Try to include vegetables and legumes in all your meals Replace meat consumption with fish, preferably blue fish Eat a handful of nuts a day Pair your meals with a glass of wine from time to time Swap calorie-heavy desserts for fresh fruits   What are the benefits of the Mediterranean diet? Besides the incredible flavors and aromas, this diet offers many health benefits. The most well-known is possibly the one related to lowering bad cholesterol. The consumption of foods typical of the Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. But that’s not all. It has been shown that people who follow this type of diet have a lower chance of developing Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, and some types of cancer, including breast cancer. Encourage yourself to try new dishes and enjoy the great benefits of the Mediterranean diet from today: Spiced Eggplant Slices Mediterranean Chicken Salad Pasta with Spinach Sauce Tuna Medallion with Mediterranean Sauce Chickpea Salad   Sources: NHS.uk Eatingwell.com