Table 1.

Dietary Characteristics of the Traditional Mediterranean Diet

Mediterranean diets
1. A variety of minimally processed whole grains and legumes as the staple food
2. Plenty of a huge diversity of fresh vegetables consumed on a daily basis
3. Fresh fruits as the typical daily dessert; sweets based on nuts, olive oil, and honey consumed only during celebratory occasions
4. Cold pressed extra-virgin olive oil, nuts and seeds as the principal source of fat
5. Moderate consumption of fish
6. Dairy products (mainly local cheese and yogurt) consumed in low amounts; butter, cream and milk never used, except for milk in coffee (caffé macchiato) or for infants
7. Red and processed meat consumed in very low frequency (only once every week or two) and amounts;
8. Wine consumed in low to moderate amounts only with meals