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The Mediterranean diet has long been hailed the best diet plan to adopt for an overall healthy lifestyle. Not only is the Mediterranean diet packed with easily-accessible foods, but it doesn't require you to cut out some of your favourite treats, such as red wine and cheese. In fact, the Mediteranean diet is not too dissimilar from the government's healthy eating advice, the Eatwell Guide. But what is the Mediterranean diet?

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Often hailed the “world’s healthiest diet”, the Mediterranean diet has also been associated with lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease

The Mediterranean diet is inspired by the eating habits of Greece, Southern Italy, and Spain in the 1940s and 50s, earning its popularity thanks to its emphasis on fruit, vegetables and wholegrains.

Often hailed the “world’s healthiest diet”, the Mediterranean diet has also been associated with lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. But why is it so healthy?

The Mediterranean-style diet is so highly commended, it even has its own section on the NHS website.

The NHS explain the diet is generally high in vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish, and unsaturated fats such as olive oil.

It usually includes a low intake of meat and dairy foods.

The NHS advise:

Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables

Including fish in your diet

Eating less meat

Choosing products made from vegetable and plant oils, such as olive oil

Meanwhile, Healthline advise poultry, eggs, cheese and yoghurt are eaten in moderation, while red meat is eaten only rarely.

They also recommend cutting out sugar-sweetened beverages, added sugars, processed meat, refined grains, refined oils and other highly processed foods.