Mediterranean Diet Pyramid

From WikiMD.com - Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Harvard food pyramid.png

== Mediterranean Diet Pyramid ==

The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid is a nutritional guide inspired by the traditional dietary patterns of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Greece, Italy, and Spain. This diet emphasizes the consumption of plant-based foods, healthy fats, and lean proteins, and is associated with numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of chronic diseases and improved longevity.

Structure of the Pyramid[edit | edit source]

The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid is divided into several levels, each representing different food groups and their recommended frequency of consumption:

Base of the Pyramid[edit | edit source]

The base of the pyramid consists of foods that should be consumed daily and in the largest quantities:

  • **Fruits and Vegetables**: A variety of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables are encouraged.
  • **Whole grains**: Foods such as whole grain bread, pasta, rice, and cereals.
  • **Olive oil**: The primary source of fat, used in cooking and dressings.
  • **Legumes and Nuts**: Beans, lentils, chickpeas, almonds, and walnuts.
  • **Herbs and Spices**: Used to flavor foods instead of salt.

Middle of the Pyramid[edit | edit source]

The middle levels include foods that should be consumed in moderate amounts:

Top of the Pyramid[edit | edit source]

The top of the pyramid includes foods that should be consumed less frequently:

  • **Red meat**: Limited to a few times per month.
  • **Sweets**: Consumed occasionally.

Lifestyle Recommendations[edit | edit source]

In addition to dietary guidelines, the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid emphasizes the importance of:

  • **Physical activity**: Regular exercise and physical activity.
  • **Social interactions**: Sharing meals with family and friends.
  • **Hydration**: Drinking plenty of water, with moderate consumption of wine, particularly red wine, during meals.

Health Benefits[edit | edit source]

The Mediterranean Diet has been associated with numerous health benefits, including:

See Also[edit | edit source]


Stub icon
   This article is a nutrition-related stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!




WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP1 injections from $125

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program NYC and a clinic to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our W8MD's physician supervised medical weight loss centers in NYC provides expert medical guidance, and offers telemedicine options for convenience.

Why choose W8MD?

Book Your Appointment

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss, and Philadelphia medical weight loss Call (718)946-5500 for NY and 215 676 2334 for PA

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's NYC physician weight loss.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available. Call 718 946 5500.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD