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Of all the diet trends that have come and gone over the years, one of the most enduring is the Mediterranean diet. Once exclusive to regions like Greece and Italy, Mediterranean food has become  a beloved staple in many people’s eating habits across the United States. With so many options available to the average consumer, it begs the question, why do people turn to the Mediterranean diet? This centuries-old cuisine holds exotic tastes and surprising health benefits in each helping. 

Tastes

The first noticeable trait of a bite of authentic Mediterranean food is its unusual assortment of ingredients. A generous pile of fruits and vegetables are tossed, cut and mixed to make flavorsome salads, incorporating legumes and lentils as chief add-ons. These salads are anything but generic, and dressings like olive oil amplify their lush, smooth tastes. Aside from salads, whole grains are also an important portion of the mix, creating the celebrated pita bread—a versatile baked flatbread used to make sandwiches, chips and even pizza crust. Pita bread also serves as a wrap for delectable, eccentric fillings like broiled beef, tuna and eggplant. 

Health Benefits

Mediterranean food is mostly absent of salty add-ons and calorie-heavy fillings. This results in meals that are low in fat and high in nutrients that are essential for the human body’s health.* The research and studies conducted over the years on Mediterranean food have revealed that an adherence to the diet produces many favorable health benefits. It cuts down on the likelihood of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and it also lowers blood pressure, cholesterol and the risk of obesity. It has even been proven to reduce the likelihood of possible future developments of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.**

Mediterranean food was once elusive in the United States, but it has picked up a lot of traction over the years as more restaurants include healthy alternative dining options on their menus to stay relevant in the competitive food industry. Pita Jungle, in particular, has been ahead of the curve for many years, embracing the Mediterranean diet with open arms and crafting award-winning dishes of splendorous salads, wraps, hummus plates and even pizzas. Come discover “The Art of Eating Healthy®” today!

*http://www.patient.co.uk/health/health-benefits-of-the-mediterranean-diet
**http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/mediterranean-diet/art-20047801