The Mediterranean Diet

Depending upon your outlook, the human body can be seen as a top-of-the-range vehicle God has given us, or evolution has left us, as a means of getting around. But, there's no detailed instruction manual, so we've had to work out how to look after it and what to feed it on.

Experts, politicians and lifestyle gurus all have their opinions. Manufacturers have long confused our palates with additives, whilst advertisers have enticed us with pictures of beautiful people eating their products. Journalists tantalise us with their optimistic takes on research into the latest wonder foods - and celebrity chefs' creations always look appealing on the plate.

But, who is right and who is wrong?

Food is the fuel that powers us. And for decades now, serious scientists have been looking into which foods make the human engine run smoothly and what clogs up the works, triggering such problems as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

From what is known today, the Mediterranean Diet, in combination with moderate exercise and stopping smoking, is probably the closest science can get to the manufacturer's recommended fuel intake for a long and trouble free human life.

The Mediterranean Diet is a nutritious dietary formula for long-term health that allows for plenty of experimentation and variety and can be enjoyed using inexpensive produce available anywhere in the UK. Even better, no branded 'superfoods' are required. And, although we've linked to a few books on the subject from here, you don't have to buy any, nor do you have to join any schemes to be able to enjoy a Mediterranean Diet at home. If you decide to give the healthy Mediterranean Diet a try, it can also help you achieve and maintain an ideal weight.

Find out more

If you'd like to find out more, why not:

• Watch our video introducing the Mediterranean Diet
• Read about the science behind the diet
• Find out how to try the Mediterranean Diet
• Print out a food portion tick-chart to use at home
• View books on the subject

Have your say

Join in further discussion on this subject in our interactive forum.

Related News Items

Click on a link below to view the article in our newspaper

• Keep the champagne on ice... (NHS Choices 14/12/2009)
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• Detox diet could increase risk of diabetes, say scientists (The Scotsman 07/10/2009)
• Around the world in healthy ways (Daily Express 15/09/2009)
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• Popcorn helps fight off cancer (The Scotsman 19/08/2009)
• Exercise and healthy diet 'cut Alzheimer's risk by 60%' (The Scotsman 12/08/2009)
• Diet and lifespan (NHS Choices 24/06/2009)
• Greek is the word if you want a tasty diet that could help you live longer (The Scotsman 24/06/2009)
• 'Sip red wine' for health (NHS Choices 15/06/2009)
• Skimmed milk and blood pressure (NHS Choices 03/06/2009)
• Q&A on tomato-based heart pill (NHS Choices 03/06/2009)
• Tomato pill 'beats heart disease' (BBC 01/06/2009)
• The rapeseed revolution (Telegraph 29/05/2009)
• The Mediterranean Diet - A refreshingly positive approach to health (Patient UK News Room 10/02/2009)
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• Doctor creates 'world's healthiest wine' (Telegraph 15/12/2008)
• Ageing theory questioned (NHS Choices 03/12/2008)
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• Vitamins A and E 'do not help prevent cancer' (Telegraph 17/11/2008)
• How my purple tomato could save your life (Daily Mail 08/11/2008)