| As well as being one of the most realistic and safest | | | | 2. Garlic. |
| ways to lose weight, the Mediterranean diet can also | | | | |
| help prevent serious diseases such as cancer and | | | | Used for centuries to ward off everything from |
| heart disease. | | | | vampires to evil spirits, garlic is high in vitamins C and |
| | | | | B6 and it contains powerful anti-bacterial and anti-viral |
| In fact, the American Heart Association refers to | | | | agents that help fight common colds and flu. Regular |
| the Mediterranean Diet as the ‘gold standard' in | | | | consumption of garlic is also believed to protect |
| heart disease prevention and if followed could greatly | | | | against cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. |
| reduce the numbers of cardiovascular disease | | | | |
| sufferers which currently runs at over 72 million in | | | | 3. Oily fish |
| America alone. Heart disease also causes almost 50 | | | | |
| per cent of deaths in Europe, and is reported to cost | | | | Oily fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are |
| the EU economy an estimated $200 billion each year. | | | | known to be responsible for a range of health |
| | | | | benefits, including protection against heart disease, |
| Obesity is now recognised as a serious problem | | | | stroke, arthritis and psoriasis. Studies have shown |
| affecting many populations around the world. In fact, | | | | that fish is one of the world's healthiest foods. Fatty |
| the governments in Great Britain, Europe and the US | | | | fish such as salmon is packed with protein, niacin and |
| have put it, and its associated conditions such as | | | | Omega-3, an essential fatty acid that promotes |
| ‘type 2 diabetes', at the top of their public health | | | | healthy cardiovascular activity. Omega-3 may also |
| agendas. The news that obesity-related procedures | | | | protect against a host of health concerns from |
| have quadrupled since 2000 as well as recent stories | | | | obesity to sunburns. A 2005 study published by the |
| such as the 34 stone teenage girl from Scotland who | | | | Archives of Neurology claims that eating fish once a |
| under-went radical stomach surgery have highlighted | | | | week may even slow the rate of cognitive decline |
| the gravity of the situation. | | | | |
| | | | | 4. Tomatoes. |
| The seriousness of this problem could be easily be | | | | |
| lessened however if the public were to make a big | | | | Fiber-rich tomatoes are low in calories and high in |
| effort to change their diets to a Mediterranean style | | | | vitamin C, vitamin A, and cancer-preventing lycopene. |
| of eating. It would not take long to start seeing | | | | Like olive oil, tomatoes are an important part of the |
| noticeable differences. | | | | Mediterranean diet. Several studies have found |
| | | | | tomatoes are also beneficial in fighting various forms |
| If fully incorporated into our diets, the following five | | | | of cancer. Fact: although often classified as |
| foods would make a staggering improvement to the | | | | vegetables, tomatoes are, technically, fruit. |
| health of our nation: | | | | |
| | | | | 5. Oats. |
| 1. Olive oil. | | | | |
| | | | | A steaming bowl of fresh cooked oatmeal is the |
| Ample medical research has shown that the benefits | | | | perfect way to start off your day, especially if you |
| of olive oil may go way beyond its wonderful taste. | | | | are trying to prevent or are currently dealing with |
| A study by Greek scientists at the University of | | | | heart disease or diabetes. Oats, oat bran, and |
| Athens found that this monounsaturated oil, which is | | | | oatmeal contain a specific type of fiber known as |
| rich in antioxidants, may be the key to the healthy | | | | beta-glucan. Since 1963, study after study has |
| Mediterranean diet meaning a lower risk of heart | | | | proven the beneficial effects of this special fiber on |
| attacks, diabetes and colon cancers. | | | | cholesterol levels. |
| | | | | |