Wendy:High protein diets are very popular now. How do these differ from the Mediterranean diet?
Dr. Giugliano: The nutrient profile of the Mediterranean-style diet includes little protein, about 15% of daily caloric intake. This percentage is similar to that sponsored by the American Heart Association in the Step 1 and Step II diets recommended for a healthy population. Recent studies also indicate that the Mediterranean diet provides additional benefits and reduced risks of heart disease. This is the reason the AHA is reviewing Step I of their dietary recommendations towards the Mediterranean-style diet.
Wendy: I love a good red wine. How has wine figured into the Mediterranean diet? How much per day is recommended?
Dr. Giugliano: While alcohol should be avoided, particularly in excess, for those who are enjoy wine, 5% of the calories for men and 2.5% for woman are sufficient. This insures that wine is consumed in low to moderate amounts. Two glasses of a good red wine for men and one glass for women is sufficient.
One final note: For a healthy lifestyle, we should not miss the possible opportunity to lower cardiovascular risk in the population by adopting a Mediterranean dietary pattern that includes fruits, root vegetables (turnips, potatoes, carrots, onions, radishes), leafy green vegetables, break and cereals, fish, olive oil, and foods high in a-linolenic acid (an omega-3 acid), such as vegetable oils (flexseed, canola), nuts and seeds (walnuts).
Next: Red Wine and Protein Factors
Mediterranean Diet
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