The Mediterranean diet is rich in olive oil, whole grains, fish, fruits, vegetables and wine, has become a multi billion dollar global brand. Food related trips to Italy make as much as 5 billion euros a year. The Mediterranean diet is associated with lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and depression. However, Mediterranean people have the most fattening diets in Europe. Greeks are the fattest, with 75 percent overweight.
During WWII, it was proven that mortality from coronary disease declined in Northern European countries due to wartime food restrictions. It was proven that well-fed people suffer from high cholesterol and other heart problems, due to high saturated fat. It was concluded that people should turn to vegetable oils instead of saturated fat, changing the way Americans eat.
Mediterranean diets share commonalities-fruits, vegetables, small dishes and less meat; however there is no single Mediterranean diet. Many eat/ate lentils instead of meat for monetary reasons.
Today more than half the populations in Italy, Portugal, and Spain are overweight. Obesity is growing in Eastern Mediterranean countries, especially among the young.
.
No comments:
Post a Comment