The Mediterranean diet is the new diet everyone’s promoting. But the best part is – it’s good for you! The Mediterranean diet is no fad diet; it is a great lifestyle plan that helps you make the most of the foods you eat. It’s also delicious.

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean diet is a diet plan based of the food, culture and lifestyle of people living in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea (Italy, Spain, Greece, and the Middle East). These people’s traditional diet is focused around fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, beans, red wine and less meat intake. They also have a much more active lifestyle than most Americans because they are much more active and live life at a slower pace. Instead of eating while in the car or at work, they are more likely to sit down and really savor good food and company.

How Does the Mediterranean Diet Lower Cholesterol?

The combination of all the types of food eaten is what makes the Mediterranean diet so successful at lowering cholesterol. And it’s not all hype; numerous studies have shown that following a Mediterranean diet can in fact lower overall cholesterol. Plus, it’s loaded with great flavors and ingredients, so it’s not difficult to stick to. You may find it hard to not eat Mediterranean.

The focus on healthy fats from fish and olive oil, whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables are what make the Mediterranean diet so successful. These foods all work together to lower bad cholesterol and increase amounts of good; the addition of lean protein and plenty of fiber sustains the appetite for longer and helps flush out your system.

Tomatoes Lower Cholesterol

Tomatoes are these great fruits that are packed with antioxidants. There are four major types of carotenoids, and tomatoes contain all of them: alpha and beta carotene, lutein and lycopene. An added bonus is that, in the same way Captain Planet appears, when these powers combine, they are a force to be reckoned with. When they work together as a group they provide even more health benefits.

Tips to Include Tomatoes in Your Diet

It’s easy to include tomatoes in your diet. Choose fresh tomatoes and add them to salads, pasta dishes and soups. Canned tomatoes can be used to make a bruschetta topping, marinara sauce and homemade pizza sauce. Throw tomatoes in soups, on sandwiches and even plain. An Italian favorite is to layer fresh tomatoes with a slice of mozzarella and some fresh basil, then drizzle the whole thing with olive oil. Shake on some salt and pepper, and you’re good to go.

The Mediterranean diet is a great way to eat delicious foods and still maintain a healthy lifestyle. It works by focusing on the right types of foods, moderation, and the pleasure of eating. For so many people, dieting is about restriction and deprivation. The Mediterranean diet requires no deprivation as it is loaded with flavor and nutrients.

Sources:
http://www.healthandage.com/public/article-home/3285/Tomatoes-A-Must-Food-for-Your-Heart.html
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20060705/mediterranean-beats-low-fat-diet
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-mediterrean-diet