My Mediterranean Culinary Cruise
October 28, 2011, By Jim Higley 0 comments
When I heard him say “Mediterranean” I had visions of the island of Mykonos. Crystal clear waters. Maybe a yacht.
The “him” was my oncologist—a few years ago, as we were developing a plan of attack to keep me healthy. It was hard to get excited about the long list of meds he was prescribing. But when he used the word “Mediterranean” I perked up. Was he suggesting a get-away cruise for mental health?
Actually, he was laying the groundwork my new relationship with food.
“I want you to eat a Mediterranean diet,” he said. “It’s heart-healthy, it’s cancer-smart. And it’s easy to follow.”
Easy for him. Greek to me. But I’ve actually come to enjoy this gastrointestinal guideline.
Background
A Mediterranean diet isn’t really a diet. It’s simply an approach to eating that incorporates a multitude of great vegetables, fruits, multi-grain breads, seafood, poultry, eggs, red meat in moderation, olive oils and goat products. It follows the general diet you’d find among countries bordering the Mediterranean.
Benefits
Research on the benefits of a traditional Mediterranean diet overwhelmingly supports the fact that it reduces the risk of heart disease, some cancers—including prostate cancer—and reduces the incidence of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
And you thought their food just tasted good.
NEXT: Basics
