Let’s Hear It For The Mediterranean Diet!!

The New York Times just published a great Front Page article today in Health.  I have to tell you about it.  You know I love how we eat here at Annadel and overall in Sonoma Wine Country.  Selfishly, I am a HUGE advocate of REAL foods, REAL fats, and REAL wine — a.k.a. the Mediterranean Diet — because it decreases my ass fat without dieting.  I also feel better, have less wrinkles, and I think it tastes good.  But here is scientific proof that the Mediterranean Diet is a home-run-winner for all of us!!

*Yay! Cue my Happy Dance!*  

A startling new study by the University of Barcelona, in partnership with the Harvard School of Public Health, definitively concluded that embracing the Mediterranean Diet can prevent close to 30% of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths.  Even in patients with chronic issues, with prescription medications, or (God forbid) smoke (yuck!), showed startling and almost immediate positive health effects once they switched to a Mediterranean Diet rich in olive oil, nuts, beans, fish, fruits and vegetables, and drink wine daily with meals.

In fact, researchers stopped the study after five years because results were so clear it was considered unethical to continue.

Interestingly, scientists discovered in this gigantic study that patients who embraced a low-fat diet most often failed because it’s difficult to maintain… It IS boring.  But a Mediterranean Diet is easy to maintain and enjoyable.

The Mediterranean Diet includes the following:

• Consuming Extra Virgin Olive Oil Daily (approx 4 tablespoons) every day– I may need to boost my intake here!
• 1 handful of walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts daily
• 3 servings of fruit and 2 servings of vegetables each day
• Fish 3 x per week
• Legumes weekly — such as peas, beans and lentils
• White Meat instead of red
• And SEVEN glasses of wine a week with meals…at least!

Patients were told to AVOID sodas, commercially made cakes, pastries, cookies and limit consumption of dairy products and processed meats.

Read the Whole Article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/26/health/mediterranean-diet-can-cut-heart-disease-study-finds.html?hp&_r=0