What is Mediterranean Diet?
This diet has been reviewed by U.S. News' team of expert panelists. LEARN MORE
It's generally accepted that the people living in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea live longer and suffer less than most Americans from cancer and cardiovascular ailments. The not-so-surprising secret is an active lifestyle, weight control and a diet low in red meat, sugar and saturated fat and high in produce, nuts and other healthful foods. The Mediterranean diet may offer a host of health benefits, including weight loss, heart and brain health, cancer prevention, and diabetes prevention and control. By following the Mediterranean diet, you could also keep that weight off while avoiding chronic disease. There isn't "a" Mediterranean diet. Greeks eat differently from Italians, who eat differently from the French and Spanish. But they share many of the same principles. Working with the Harvard School of Public Health and the World Health Organization, Oldways, a nonprofit food think tank in Boston, developed a consumer-friendly Mediterranean diet pyramid that offers guidelines on how to fill your plate – and maybe wineglass – the Mediterranean way.
Balanced Diet
These diets fall within accepted ranges for the amount of protein, carbs, fat and other nutrients they provide.
Pros & Cons
Nutritionally sound
Diverse foods and flavors
Lots of grunt work
Moderately pricey
U.S. News Best Diet Rankings
Mediterranean Diet ranked #1 in Best Diets Overall. 40 diets were evaluated with input from a panel of health experts. See how we rank diets here.
Mediterranean Diet is ranked:
#1in Best Diets Overall
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