A Mediterranean diet contains more fruit, vegetables, nuts, fish and olive oil than other diets designed to prevent cardiovascular disease (Bach-Faig A et al. 2011)
Foods to eat every day
Foods to eat at least twice a week
Foods to eat in moderation
DISEASES prevented or improved by a Mediterranean diet
KEY nutrients in a Mediterranean diet
- All essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals
- Hundreds (if not thousands) of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals (chemicals found only in plants)
Vitamin A & carotenoids
Vitamin A in fish oils, cheese, eggs. Carotenoids in carrots, sweet potatoes, green leafy veg, red bell peppers, mangoes
Heme iron (15–35% absorption). Rich sources are red meat, poultry, fish & seafood, eggs. Non-heme iron (2–20% absorption). Rich sources are legumes, tofu, tempeh, dark leafy greens, wholegrains, nuts & seeds, dried fruit, 70+% cocoa chocolate