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Mediterranean Diet: Emphasizing Plant-based Foods and Healthy Fats

Welcome to SAVORY, your go-to source for delicious and healthy olive and olive oil products. Today, we're talking about the Mediterranean Diet and why it's a fantastic choice for those looking to improve their health and well-being.


What is the Mediterranean Diet?


The Mediterranean Diet is a way of eating that emphasizes plant-based foods and healthy fats. It is based on the traditional dietary patterns of countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, including Turkey, Greece, Italy, and Spain. At its core, the Mediterranean Diet emphasizes eating whole, unprocessed foods, with a focus on fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, and of course, extra-virgin olive oil.


What are the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet?


Studies have shown that following the Mediterranean Diet can lead to a variety of health benefits, including:

  • Lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease

  • Supporting a body weight that's healthy for you

  • Supporting healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol

  • Lowering your risk of metabolic syndrome

  • Supporting a healthy balance of gut microbiota in your digestive system

  • Lowering your risk for certain types of cancer

  • Slowing the decline of brain function as you age

  • Helping you live longer

In particular, the high intake of extra-virgin olive oil, a staple in the Mediterranean Diet, has been linked to lower rates of heart disease and other chronic conditions.


What does the Mediterranean Diet look like?


The Mediterranean Diet is a flexible eating pattern that can be tailored to suit your individual needs and preferences. However, in general, the diet emphasizes the following foods:

  • Lots of vegetables, fruit, beans, lentils, and nuts

  • Lots of whole grains, like whole-wheat bread and brown rice

  • Plenty of extra-virgin olive oil as a source of healthy fat

  • A moderate amount of fish, especially fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids

  • A moderate amount of cheese and yogurt

  • Little or no meat, choosing poultry instead of red meat

  • Little or no sweets, sugary drinks, or butter

  • A moderate amount of wine with meals (but if you don’t already drink, don’t start)

It's important to note that the Mediterranean Diet is not a strict set of rules but rather a general framework for healthy eating. A registered dietitian can help you modify the diet as needed based on your medical history, underlying conditions, allergies, and preferences.


Why is the Mediterranean Diet good for me?


The Mediterranean Diet is good for you because of the combination of nutrients it provides. It limits unhealthy fats like saturated and trans fats while promoting healthy unsaturated fats like those found in extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, and fish. It also limits sodium and refined carbohydrates while favoring foods high in fiber and antioxidants. By following this eating pattern, you can achieve a balanced intake of essential nutrients that support your overall health and well-being.


At SAVORY, we're passionate about bringing you the best-quality olive and olive oil products to support your healthy lifestyle. Our Savory HANN Extra Virgin Olive Oil is made from only the finest olives, handpicked from our family-owned farms in Turkey. We believe that the Mediterranean Diet is not only delicious but also one of the healthiest eating patterns out there. Give it a try and taste the difference for yourself!

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