The Mediterranean diet is a nutritionally balanced diet emphasizing whole foods with vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fats for a healthy heart and body. The diet consists of the following food groups: fresh and whole foods, fiber-rich vegetables and fruits, legumes, olive oil, fish, seafood, and poultry. Additionally, it includes a small amount of red wine to increase its health benefits. On the other hand, it limits the consumption of red meat and requires avoiding added sugar, refined grains, trans fats, and refined oils.

Here are ten reasons this diet has become popular:

1. Improves life expectancy
The Mediterranean diet is the greatest asset to health with increasing life expectancy. By reducing the risk of developing heart disease or cancer with this diet, the risk of untimely death can be reduced by 20%.

2. Aids weight loss
With the Mediterranean diet, weight management becomes easy. Also, studies have found the diet to be linked to weight loss and a decreased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. This is because it prioritizes eating more fish and seafood and less red or processed meats.

3. Encourages a healthier lifestyle
The diet plays a vital role in reducing issues related to heart health and lowering cholesterol, and it helps people lead a healthier lifestyle. In the social sense, the diet allows for sharing meals with family and friends, which increases the sense of contentment while eating.

4. Improves fitness levels
For older adults, the nutrients gained by following this diet may significantly reduce the risk of developing muscle weakness.

5. Improves mood
As per research, eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and also including olive oil, nuts, and legumes in the diet can help people stay happier than those who eat food like desserts, soda, and fast food. Especially those who suffer from depression or anxiety should consider switching to the Mediterranean diet to improve their mood.

6. Suitable for everyone
Whether for vegetarians or those with a food allergy, the Mediterranean diet is considered to be good for everyone. Besides, the low meat consumption in the diet allows for easy substitution to gain the required nutrition from other sources.

7. Recipes are easy-to-make
Many of the Mediterranean diet recipes can be easily made and do not require any extensive knowledge of cooking. This means that the meals can be cooked by anyone, which makes it a great diet for everyone.

8. Includes wine
In this diet, having wine during dining is preferred, and red wine is considered to be good for heart disease, while white wine is a good antioxidant.

9. Brings family together
The Mediterranean diet encourages sharing meals, and it includes a large variety of dishes that can be shared among friends or family. Cooking for them will mean a meal that everyone can enjoy and savor.

10. Inexpensive
The diet can be easily managed in a budget without compromising on taste or quantity. Some products like legumes, olive oil, and dried fruits also come with a longer shelf life, so they can be stored for a while.