"(July 28, 2007) ? There is a lot of interest in the Mediterranean diet and its many recognized health benefits. The Mediterranean eating style generally has the following: "
"People who follow the Mediterranean style of eating consume less saturated fat than those who follow the average American diet. In addition, they are more physically active than most Americans. "
"The combination leads to a lower incidence of heart disease and a lower death rate. This may be because the heart-healthy diet and exercise lowers blood levels of C-reactive protein, an indicator of inflammation in any system in the body. Lowering the amount of C-reactive protein lowers the risk for heart attack and stroke. "
"Because of the positive association of the Mediterranean diet on the anti-inflammatory process, there is potential for reduction in risk for other inflammatory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD is characterized by chronic inflammation in the small airways of the lung. Recent research from Harvard University found that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a 50 percent reduction for COPD risk. "
"Following a Mediterranean diet also has been associated with a lower risk for Alzheimer's disease and some cancers."