When we think of the Mediterranean, we picture brilliant blue skies reflected in deep turquoise seas, white stone houses, fresh fish grilled to perfection and a permeating aroma of citrus and olive.
While indeed a magical picture, this associative image doesn’t accurately reflect the diverse collection of countries which constitute the Mediterranean. Rather, this is more or less an image of Greece alone.
Popularised in the 1960s by husband-and-wife duo physiologist Ancel Keys and chemist Margaret Keys, the Mediterranean Diet – contrary to popular belief – doesn’t consist of the actual culinary habits of Mediterranean countries. Instead, it is a diet inspired by the cuisines of regions and countries including southern Spain, southern Italy, France and Crete. So, if it’s the Mediterranean Diet you’re after, it’s time to expand on that lovely image of Grecian islands.
The Keys, credited with bringing the Mediterranean Diet to the mainstream, took an interest in Mediterranean eating habits after it was discovered that they had a greater life expectancy than those living elsewhere in Europe.
Is the Mediterranean Diet healthy?
Later, a series of clinical studies demonstrated that the Mediterranean diet combined with exercise and not smoking was effective at reducing the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. Researchers also found that the Mediterranean diet could prevent cognitive decline and depression.
According to the British Heart Foundation, further research has shown that the Mediterranean Diet can reduce the risk of developing problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and raised cholesterol, which are all risk factors for heart disease.
What should you eat on a Mediterranean diet?
The main constituents of the Med Diet are grains such as bread, pasta, rice, couscous and bulgar, as well as fruits, vegetables, beans, cheese, yoghurt and olive oil– together with other indigenous foods including red meat, fish and poultry. Designed to incorporate the very best of what the Mediterranean landscape has to offer, it is a diet which focuses on abundance rather than limitation.
Whether you’re looking for a highly-specific Mediterranean Diet cookbook, or are simply hoping to explore the vast and varied traditional cuisines of the Mediterranean and bring fresh inspiration to your mid-week dinners – we’ve got you covered.
Keep scrolling for a selection of the best Mediterranean Diet guides and Mediterranean cookbooks on the market.