The Mediterranean diet was recently ranked by experts in the U.S. News and World Report as one of the healthiest ways you can eat. You may have heard of this diet before but what is it and why is it so good for you?

The Mediterranean Diet originated from the traditional ingredients and foods eaten by people who live on the banks of the Mediterranean Sea. This diet is full of unprocessed foods, healthy fats, many plants, herbs, spices, and minimal salt. This diet is considered to be extremely healthy and according to the Mayo Clinic has been proven to have the following benefits:

• Lower risk of heart disease
• Lower risk of cancer
• Reduced risk of strokes
• Better brain and gut health

According toJohn Hopkins Medicine, this diet is heart healthy for the following reasons…

• Keeps cholesterol levels low.
• Enhances your body’s ability to absorb blood sugar.
• Helps arteries stay flexible and reduces plaque buildups.
• Helps to fight inflammation in the body that can lead to diabetes, liver, or heart disease.

So, how do you follow the Mediterranean Diet?

• Less meat (especially red meat) and add more vegetables.
• Try substituting beans for meat once a week.
• Add fish and seafood to the menu twice a week.
• Switch to whole grains.
• Fresh fruit
• Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Add healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, and seeds
• Give up salt and add other herbs and spices instead.

The Mediterranean diet is particularly good to follow if you are regularly fasting because the food in the diet is gentle on your digestive system.

In summary, if you are looking for a diet that is extremely healthy for you and doesn’t feel like you’re dieting at all, try the Mediterranean diet.