Mediterranean diet basics

The Mediterranean diet:

• Emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and legumes

• Includes low-fat or fat-free dairy products, fish, poultry, non-tropical vegetable oils and nuts

• Limits added sugars, sugary beverages, sodium, highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and fatty or processed meats.

Why we recommend the Mediterranean diet:

• This style of eating can play a big role in preventing heart disease and stroke and reducing risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

• There is some evidence that a Mediterranean diet rich in virgin olive oil may help the body remove excess cholesterol from arteries and keep blood vessels open.