Olive Oil, Fresh Tomatoes & Onion (photo by Rick Tango)

It is widely believed that one of the most healthful of diets is one that mimics the traditional eating habits of the Mediterranean region. The American Heart Association has long extolled the virtues of the Mediterranean diet, rich in fresh fruit, vegetables, beans, nuts, seafood and olive oil for keeping heart healthy. It's a diet that should prevent obesity and promote longevity.

The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid is a nutrition guide that was developed by the Harvard School of Public Health, the World Health Organization and Oldways, the non-profit "food issues think tank." The Pyramid has been around for fifteen years and recently got an update by more than 20 scientists convened at Oldways' 15th Anniversary Mediterranean Diet Conference.

An article in Progressive Grocer quotes K. Dun Gifford, founder and president of Boston-based Oldways, as saying, "While the pyramid's core philosophy hasn't changed, we've streamlined the graphics to present a contemporary approach to delicious healthy eating, based on the overwhelming research about the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet."

According to the article in Progressive Grocer:

The simplified new graphic lays stress on basing every meal on plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains (mostly whole), beans, seeds, nuts, herbs and spices, and olive oil, for maximum healthfulness. While these foods have always constituted the core of the pyramid, they have now been combined in one section to illustrate their equal important, and that their benefits stem from being eaten together.

The Oldways website makes it clear that people looking to obtain the health benefits offered by the diet should also be engaging in daily exercise. The exercises they offer as examples seem to have something for everyone: walking, house cleaning, running, soccer, tennis, golf, swimming, hiking, scuba diving, basketball, baseball, football, skiing, surfing, yard work, rollerblading, dancing, weight lifting, and love-making.

If you’d like to read the Progressive Grocer article cited above go to: Oldways Updates Med Diet Pyramid

To learn more about the Mediterranean Diet & download a copy of the Pyramid go to: Oldways

If you’d like to view a selection of California’s finest artisanal olive oils go to: Crafted Olive Oils

To view all the recipes on the American Feast web site go to: American Feast's Recipe Collection

To follow American Feast on Facebook go to: American Feast on Facebook

To follow American Feast's Founder on Twitter go to: Jeff Deasy on Twitter

For information related to the purchase of advertising space on the American Feast web site call Jeff Deasy toll free at 877-332-7875 or email him at jdeasy@americanfeast.com