The Mediterranean Diet — A Model for Men

The traditional Mediterranean diet is centuries old. It has flourished in rural regions of Greece and parts of southern Italy and France. Here are its 10 characteristic features:

1. An abundance of vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds and other plant foods

2. An abundance of unrefined grains, such as whole-grain cereals and breads

3. Olive oil as the major source of fat

4. Moderate to large amounts of fish

5. Fruit as the typical dessert, with sweets containing honey or sugar eaten several times a week

6. Yogurt, cheese and other dairy products eaten daily in small to moderate amounts.

7. Four or fewer eggs per week

8. Moderate to large amount of poultry and small amounts of red meat

9. A reliance on locally grown, fresh, minimally processed foods

10. Moderate amounts of alcohol, usually wine with meals.