The Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet is a nutritional model that has remained constant over the centuries and where the olive oil holds a prominent position.

The pyramid that represents the optimal, traditional Mediterranean diet, is based on the dietary traditions of Crete and southern Italy in the 1960s.

The pyramid was structured in the light of nutrition research carried out and presented by Professor Walter Willet of Harvard School of Public Health, during the 1993 International Conference on the Mediterranean Diet.

However, it was much earlier, in the 1950’s, that Professor Ancel Keys of Minnesota University was astonished by the low incidence of cardiovascular disease and high life expectancy of the Mediterranean populations.

A daily consumption of two tablespoons of olive oil, reduces the risk of heart disease. This benefit is maximized if the olive oil consumed replaces saturated animal fats. Furthermore, olive oil can quickly satisfy hunger and lead to a consumption of fewer total calories.

In conclusion, a large number of scientific studies have demonstrated that the Mediterranean diet is a health-promoting, balanced eating pattern, beneficial to everyone.

Sources:
oliveoiltimes.com
mediterraneandietforall.com
internationaloliveoil.org