New low cholesterol diet with
Mediterrasian flair!
The Mediterrasian diet is a low cholesterol diet that combines the best of both Mediterranean and Asian cuisines in a heart healthy diet. Some of the countries that the diet draws its influence from include Italy, France, China, Spain, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and Greece.
The foundations of this diet are:
• Daily servings of grains and cereals like bread, pasta, rice, millet and bulgur
• Fresh vegetables and fruits daily
• Vegetable oils, such as olive oil, and fish oils are the main sources of fat
• Red meat eaten a few times a month
• Fish eaten several times a week
• Beans, peas and nuts eaten regularly
• Soy protein eaten frequently
• Eggs and chicken eaten once a week
• Alcohol such as red wine, rice wine and beer consumed in moderate amounts (two drinks per day for men, one drink per day for women)
• Green Tea and White Tea consumed daily, are high in antioxidants
Adding the Asian influence expands food choices beyond the Mediterranean Diet. Variety is the spice of life! Asian cuisine uses soy products and seaweed, where Mediterranean cuisine uses olive oil and garlic. Contrary to popular belief, the traditional Asian diet is low in sodium, as is the Mediterranean diet, adding to its heart healthy appeal. The diet is chock full of antioxidants, Omega-3 rich foods, and healthy fats.
The ingredients in the Mediterrasian Diet are easy to find in today’s modern grocery stores. The diet is full of diverse flavors, making it hard to be bored with it. Meat and potato types, however, might need time to adjust to the different protein and vegetable choices.