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Home » Diet » Why Mediterranean-based eating is trendyagain – Well+Good

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In the wellness world, the Mediterranean diet is as acclaimed as it gets, with research touting itscardiovascularand longevity-boosting benefits. The diets bursting with omega-3s and healthy fats (from fish, eggs, nuts, and olive oil), probiotics (hello, Greek yogurt), and lots of grains, legumes, fruits, and veggies.

But in recent years, the Mediterranean way of eating has been eclipsed by sexier nutrition trends, like the gluten-free craze and countless buzzy celebrity diets(hello, Adele). But the pendulum is swinging back to the sun-dappled side.

It pulls a lot of people in because there arent many parts of the diet that people are going to object to.

Why? Partly its because so many people are quitting sugar and getting wise to the idea that unsaturated fatsare a very a good thing, explainsLauren Slayton, MS, RD. Not to mention the fact thatthe eating regimenis so full of flavorits always going to find new fans. It pulls a lot of people in because there arent many parts of the diet that people are going to object to, Slayton says.

But the biggest proofthat whats old is new again just might be supermarket shelves. Beyond the piles of tomatoes and peppers in the produce aisle are an influx of products elevating some of the diets core foods (think olives, fennel, and theaforementionedyogurt).

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The number-oneitem that must (must!) be in every Mediterranean-inspired pantry? Olive oil, obviously. It has tremendous cardiovascular benefits and also helps with digestion, Slayton says. It does have a low smoke point, so you dont want to cook it at super-high heats, but its perfect for, say, drizzling on saladsand the more flavorful it is, the less you have to use. Inside each Gaea bottle is the juice from about 2,300 olives, all of which have been harvested by handwhich makes this fresh-pressed, extra virgin variety extra tasty.

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Olive trees have been beloved for centuries for their medicinal benefits, and these teas tap into that time-honored tradition. The leaves have the compoundoleuropeinitsalso in the olives themselveswhich wards off infection, says Steep Echo founder Kimberly Branum. They have double the antioxidants as green tea, and also a good dose of vitamin C. Plus, the tea incorporates spices like rosemary (which has been linked to circulatory and nervoussystem benefits), making it a true Mediterranean powerhouse.

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Artichokes, a Mediterranean diet staple, are awesome sources of the antioxidants silymarin and cynarin, which are said tofight free radicals, aid in detoxification, and improve cardiovascular health. (If you havent caught on yet, the Med dietalways comes back to the heart.) The idea of gulping this new drink down may not sound all that appealing, but its surprisingly light and sweetand way easier than wrangling the real thing.

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Most people get their fix of Greek yogurt in the morning, maybe with a little healthy granola and a few berries sprinkled on top. But Chobani found a savory way (with just one gram of sugar per serving) for people to get their daily probiotics in, with a line of spicy Mez Dips released earlier this year. The flavors all contain live bacteria strains, the details of which are listed right on the label next to the other all-natural ingredientsyummy and transparent.

This new-to-the-marketline of water-soluble powder formulas (from Israeli supplement makerFrutarom Health) was specifically created to tap into the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, incorporating ingredients like olives, antioxidant-rich artichokes, and lemon balm (which is said to be calming and helps with digestion).

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Yep, you can even get your Mediterranean fix between meals with this gum made with fennel and fennel oil. Sure, the nutritional value isnt going to be as high as chowing down on fennel directly, but its still got vitamin Cmaking it a way-healthier breath freshener than a stick of Extra.

Beyond the Mediterranean diet, nutritionists wish everyone ate more of these 10 foods. And have you studied up onthe new fruit pyramid? Its key for cutting back on sugar.

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Why Mediterranean-based eating is trendyagain - Well+Good

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Home » Diet » Why Mediterranean-based eating is trendyagain – Well+Good