You must be aware of Mediterranean food. This cuisine is famous for its nutrient-rich nature and is advertised in the media as well as by local health agencies for the same. If you don’t know what makes this diet so beneficial, this blog is for you. But to begin with, let’s take a look at what Mediterranean food actually is.
What is Mediterranean food?
Mediterranean cuisine is defined by the food and preparation methods used by the people living around the Mediterranean region. Simply put, it is the food from the people living from Spain to Morocco, Greece, Tunisia, and more. The credit for the popularity of this food goes to food writer Elizabeth David’s book in 1950. The focus of Mediterranean food is on fresh products, noticeable flavors, and simple preparation. Most Mediterranean recipes have a lot of vegetables, legumes, grains, olive oil, and aromatic herbs.
What is not in Mediterranean food?
No ingredient is completely prohibited in the Mediterranean diet. Animal products are also consumed in smaller amounts however less often than plant-based food. Some of the items that Mediterranean foods have in limited amounts include:
- Added sugars
- Sugary beverages such as soda
- High sodium
- Highly processed food
- Refined carbohydrates
- Saturated animal fat
Why people all over the world love Mediterranean food
For decades, the Mediterranean diet has been considered one of the healthiest in the world. Moreover, across the entire Mediterranean region, diet varies greatly. Many people think that Mediterranean food only comes from Greece and Italy which is not true. The Mediterranean diet is a reflection of what people eat in this region. Many people grow at least some of their food and they eat fish and lamb more than beef because fishes are readily available and they easily raise lamb and goats. All in all, health benefits, sustainability, and ease of availability are some of the reasons why Mediterranean cuisine is so popular throughout the world.
- It can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke as it reduces blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and increases HDL cholesterol levels.
- It can reduce the chances of cancer. Mediterranean food comes with high antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients which can help fight cancer.
- It can slow or prevent the development of brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
- It can help prevent or manage the progression of type-2 diabetes due to fiber and other blood sugar supportive nutrients.
- It may prevent or reduce oxidative stress.
Last words
Apart from its appetizing taste, Mediterranean cuisine is known to promote longevity or long and healthy life. If you are living in New Jersey and want to try Mediterranean food, look no further than Qaswa BBQ and Grill. It is the best Mediterranean food restaurant in NJ so you can eat whatever you want without breaking the bank or getting exhausted by trying several recipes from YouTube.