The Mediterranean diet is a modern nutritional model inspired by the traditional dietary patterns of some of the countries of the Mediterranean basin, particularly Southern Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, Turkey and Spain.

Common to the diets of these regions are a high consumption of fruit and vegetables, bread and other cereals, olive oil and fish; making them low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fat and dietary fiber.

A main factor in the appeal of the Mediterranean Diet is its rich, full flavored foods.

Margarine and other unhealthy hydrogenated oils are considered bland and lacking the flavor olive oil can impart to foods.

Red wine is also consumed regularly but in moderate quantities.

For more information about the topic Mediterranean diet, read the full article at Wikipedia.org, or see the following related articles:

Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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