Study confirms benefits of Mediterranean diet

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Story Published: Mar 26, 2008 at 8:27 AM PDT

Story Updated: Mar 26, 2008 at 8:27 AM PDT

By Herb Weisbaum

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We've all heard that a Mediterranean diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish unsaturated fats, and just the right amount of alcohol, can help you live longer.

Now the first study of Americans on a Mediterranean diet confirms its life-extending benefits.

"If you eat like a Greek you will certainly live significantly longer," said Joel Keehn, a Senior Editor at Consumer Reports on Health.

The National Cancer Institute followed 380,000 men and women for ten years. Those who followed the Mediterranean diet most closely.

"Were significantly less likely to die over a 10-year period, particularly of heart disease and cancer and those are the two major killers."

A few things to remember; Fish is good. Salmon, sardines, trout, and white fish are the best.

Grains need to be whole grain.

Fat should be unsaturated, such as olive or canola oil.

Alcohol is fine in moderation, but too much is bad. For men that means no more 2 drinks a day. For women no more than one drink a day. A drink is 12-ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 2 ounces of hard liquor.

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