Everybody knows that their life expectancy will vary widely depending on where they live. And most people who live in the "first" world can enjoy nice, long life-expectancies. But not all of those expectancies are actually the same. Some of the longest life expectancies in the world aren't found in places like the US or the UK. In the western world, people live longest around the Mediterranean, where great eating habits (and great-tasting food) can add up to three-five years to your life.
But what are they eating over there to keep them so healthy? The Mediterranean diet is, after all, just as wide and varied as any other. So what is it about how these people eat that helps them to live so healthy and for so long?
It has a lot to do with the six "Mediterranean Super Foods" you'll find below. By adding more of these foods into their diets, people eating a true Mediterranean diet life healthier, longer lives than almost anyone in the world.
1. Olive Oil.
How could olive oil not be first on this list? The truth is, the Mediterranean diet is not necessarily low in fat. But a huge majority of the fat eaten in this part of the world comes from olive oil. You might find Greek or Spanish recipes that are simply over-flowing with olive oil. But since this wonderful (and delicious) food protects the heart and helps reduce bad cholesterol, eating plenty of it doesn't do Mediterranean people anything but good. Even if their bottoms get a little big from all that fat!
2. Beans.
Most people simply do not get enough beans in their diet. But in most Mediterranean cultures, beans are a common staple. And they're one of the healthiest foods in the world. Beans add protein, fiber, tons of nutrients (especially iron), and all kinds of good stuff to your diet without adding any extra fat or cholesterol. They're ultra-filling, wonderfully versatile, and taste great. Eating them is inexpensive, environmentally conscious, and great for your body. Quite a list right? Truth is, they're almost a miracle food.
3. Fruits and Veggies.
While it's true that most people who eat a Mediterranean diet do eat starches, most of them eat more fruits and vegetables than your average eater. In Spain, for instance, it's customary to have a piece of fruit after every meal. Not only does this fill you will nutrients, fiber, and other good stuff, but if you fill up on vegetables (which have a lot of water and a ton of volume), you eat less of the bad stuff. Which pretty much doubles the benefits of something that's already great for you.
4. Red Wine.
The kind of people who call themselves CabFrancFreak on their internet dating profiles love talking about how their drink of choice is good for their hearts. And while it's important to remember that over-indulging in any kind of alcohol is bad for your body, it's quite true that a little red wine every day is good for you. Studies have shown that a glass or so of red wine a day can protect your heart from heart disease over time. And while most alcohols in small amounts can be beneficial, a specific compound found in red wine (called resveratrol) has been specifically shown to benefit the heart.
5. Fish & Seafood.
Outside of the Mediterranean and most of Asia, people simply do not eat enough fish and seafood. Most nutritionists consider fish and seafood to be the healthiest animal protein available, and wild fish in particular is wonderful for you. Even the fattiest of fishes is great for your heart health; fatty species of fish like salmon are full of Omega 3 fatty acids that lower your bad cholesterol and keep your heart healthy.
6. Nuts.
In most of the world, nuts are used mainly as an addition to sweet desserts rather than savory dishes. But nuts are another near-miracle food that Mediterraneans seem to eat a lot more of. A recent study showed that simply adding a serving of nuts to your diet every day can actually help to prevent diseases of the metabolism (and the heart disease that often results from them). Many nutritionists also believe that the healthy, satisfying fats in nuts can help to control your weight in the long run.
