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Health • 13 December 2021 • 3 min

The Mediterranean diet benefits, explained

By Zinzino

Google ‘Mediterranean diet’ and you’ll forget for a moment that it is, in fact, a diet. Popular Mediterranean foods are colorful and Instagrammable, with the recommended division of greens, beans, and meat (and a side of fruit). This eating regime celebrates whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fish, and seafood, and of course, olive oil.

The advantages of following the Mediterranean lifestyle 

The Mediterranean lifestyle has a more holistic approach to food and nutrition and the meals are created around plants, not meat. Dairy, eggs, poultry, and seafood are central to healthy Mediterranean food, with red meat consumed occasionally. Olive oil and fish are pillars to this way of eating, dishing up plenty of healthy fats.

The ‘diet rules’ are easy to follow because the food is so good – plates are packed with avocado, salmon, berries, seeds, beans, tomatoes, oranges, and nuts.

Mediterranean diet rules are simple:

  • Daily consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats
  • Weekly intake of fish, poultry, beans, and eggs
  • Moderate portions of dairy products
  • Limit intake of red meat.

Olive oil and the Mediterranean diet

Extra virgin olive oil captures the essence of the Mediterranean diet. R.E.V.V.O is an extra virgin olive oil with a concentration of bioactive antioxidants that’s 30 times higher than regular olive oil. Designed to support your journey to better health, R.E.V.V.O provides a full spectrum of natural compounds locked in an Omega-9 oil.

It’s not just a fancy salad topper. R.E.V.V.O contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels1* and protects blood lipids2* from oxidative stress. Power your Mediterranean lifestyle with the most exceptional olive oil there is.

What is a Mediterranean diet, in practice?

This way of eating and living is deeply rooted in tradition and probably conjures up images of long, relaxed meals with friends and family. It’s an important point to address because the diet is really all about sacred shared mealtimes, sourcing local food that’s in-season, being physically active, and living simply. These philosophies carry into daily life, with how you nourish your body.

To eat like a Mediterranean:

  • Aim for 7-10 servings of fruits and vegetables each day
  • Switch to whole grains
  • Use healthy fats, such as olive oil
  • Eat fresh fish twice a week and reduce red meat intake
  • Enjoy dairy, such as low-fat Greek yoghurt
  • Add spices instead of salt.

Healthy Mediterranean recipes & food inspiration

For breakfast, treat your heart (and tastebuds) to smashed avocado, with smoked salmon and poached egg, on wholegrain toast. Dash it with a handful of microgreens.

Now, for lunch, cook falafel balls, and place with green beans, whole-wheat couscous, crumbled feta cheese, olives, and topped with tahini sauce.

Then, at dinner, continue the colorful plate trend with shrimp and leek spaghetti. It’s light, lemony, and gives you fiber and Omega-3s.

Speaking of essential fatty acids, Omega-3s are extremely important to your health (and your body doesn’t naturally produce them). Support your Mediterranean eating plan with Zinzino’s Omega-3 Balance Products.

This fish and olive oil synergy delivers 15 EFSA-approved health benefits, including normal brain3, heart4 and immune system5 function. Take the Omega-6:3 ratio test first and review your results after 120 days.

Siesta time! Although you won’t get those 3.00pm slumps, quite like you used to. Power your body with the healthy, delicious Mediterranean diet… with a side of Zinzino’s BalanceOil+ and R.E.V.O.O.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

1. Oleic acid

Oleic acid (Omega-9) is an unsaturated fat. Replacing saturated fats in the diet with unsaturat- ed fats contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels.

2. Olive oil polyphenols

Olive oil polyphenols contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress. Replacing saturated fats in the diet with unsaturated fats contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels. Oleic acid is an unsaturated fat. The claim may be used only for olive oil which contains at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives (e.g. oleuropein complex and tyrosol) per 20 g of olive oil. In order to bear the claim, information shall be given to the consumer that the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 20 g of olive oil.

3. DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain

DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function. The claim may be used only for food which contains at least 40 mg of DHA per 100 g and per 100 kcal. In order to bear the claim, information shall be given to the consumer that the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) maternal intake contributes to the normal brain development of the fetus and breastfed infants. Information shall be given to pregnant and lactating women that the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 200 mg of DHA in addition to the recommended daily intake of Omega-3 fatty acids for adults, i.e. 250 mg DHA and EPA. The claim may be used only for food which provides a daily intake of at least 200 mg DHA.

4. DHA and EPA contribute to the normal function of the heart

DHA and EPA contribute to the normal function of the heart. The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of EPA and DHA as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF Omega-3 FATTY ACIDS as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. In order to bear the claim, information shall be given to the consumer that the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA.

5. Vitamin D contributes to immune system

Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system. The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of vitamin D as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF vitamin D as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006