Mediterranean Diet - more a way of eating than a diet, the Mediterranean diet is based upon the eating habits of the Mediterraneans, proven to be some of the healthiest people in the world.

This diet cuts down red meats and saturated fats and replaces them with fish, fruit, salads, seeds and olive oil; therefore offering a rich source of essential fatty acids and antioxidants, a combination which can help improve cholesterol levels and protect heart health.

The Mediterranean basin covers some eleven countries so you can probably not find a richer and more varied choice within a diet: spicy Morocan foods to Greek dips, Spanish tapas and the fabulous style of Italian cuisine to name but a few.

The important aspects of the Mediterranean diet are high intakes of cereals, grains, vegetables, dried beans, olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, seafood and fruit, in particular citrus fruits. Wine is taken with food in moderation. Olive oil is a good source of antioxidants and eating fish or seafood a few times each week benefits the Mediterraneans by increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Eating red meat sparingly also increases health by lowering cholesterol.

Some experts have however questioned whether it is diet alone that make the Mediterraneans so healthy. The people in this part of the world have close-knit family groups and a much more active lifestyle owing to the fabulous climate there. That said, we do not belittle the health benefits gained from freshly prepared foods and the style of eating they adopt, but once again we recommend you combine exercise with any diet you chose to partake in.