Title: 5 Healthy Benefits of Following a Mediterranean Diet Plan Word Count: 477 Summary: The Mediterranean diet has

been around for centuries, but many people are just n ow realizing the tremendous benefits of the diet. Here are five excellent benefi ts of eating Mediterranean style... Keywords: mediterranean diet, healthy weight loss, fast weight loss, delicious diet recipe s, healthy foods Article Body: The Mediterranean diet has been around for centuries, but if you don't live in c ountries where this diet is prevalent such as Greece or Italy, you may not reali ze the many benefits of eating healthy foods "Mediterranean" style. According to studies, the Mediterranean diet encourages healthy weight loss and helps to red uce risks of many life-threatening diseases. Below are five of the top benefits of following this diet. 1. Fast Weight Loss One of the key benefits of the Mediterranean diet is fast weight loss. This is n ot from the results of a diet pill or a crash starvation diet, but from healthy, portion-controlled eating. Weight loss rates will vary, but some have reported losing an average of 10 pounds per month. Delicious diet recipes are often provi ded when following the Mediterranean diet that help to speed up the weight loss process without depriving you of much needed vitamins and nutrients. Losing weig ht alone can offer many health benefits. 2. Good Heart Health The delicious diet recipes provided while following a Mediterranean diet are all designed to promote good heart health. The Mediterranean diet consists of healt hy doses of olive oil, fruits and vegetables, and oily fish. With some participa nts, a moderate amount of wine is consumed with meals. All these help to lower c holesterol and keep the blood flow to the heart at a normal level, thus, reducin g the risk of heart disease tremendously. 3. Lower Cancer Risks Having too many toxins in the body can cause some types of cancer, such as breas t cancer. Eating the types of healthy foods promoted in the Mediterranean diet s uch as fruits and vegetables will lower the amount of toxins in the body because these foods are natural antioxidants. 4. Prevent Gallstones Those who have fallen victim to gall stones realize how painful they can be. Wit h around 639,000 people being hospitalized per year with gallstones, many studie s are being conducted to help find a cause and cure. The Mediterranean diet is r ich in nuts, vegetable oil, and fish. Though gallstones are not always diet-rela ted, consuming these foods can help to reduce the risk of gall stones or elimina te them altogether for some according to recent studies.

5. Lower Blood Pressure The healthy foods in a Mediterranean diet can also work to lower and regulate bl ood pressure. Blood cholesterol levels can return to normal when eating less fat ty foods and salt, and more healthy vitamins and minerals. Cooking procedures on a Mediterranean diet usually involve roasting or grilling rather than frying, s o more nutrients are retained in the food during preparation, and there is much less fat consumption. These are only a few of the benefits. The Mediterranean diet also offers many ot her benefits such as reducing the risks of blood clotting, diabetes, Metabolic S yndrome, and other life-threatening diseases. Don't deprive yourself. Start eati ng delicious diet recipes on the Mediterranean diet for healthy weight loss toda y.