The Mediterranean way of eating has gained popularity over the last years, mainly because it is supposed to be healthier than the American recommended way of eating. While dairy is not a main staple of the Mediterranean diet, it is still consumed in the form of yogurt and cheese.
Definition
According to the website westonaprice.org "The Mediterranean diet is characterized by abundant plant foods, fresh fruit as the typical daily dessert, olive oil as the principal source of fat, dairy products (principally cheese and yogurt) and fish and poultry consumed in low to moderate amounts. Zero to four eggs are consumed weekly, red meat is consumed in low amounts and wine consumed in low to moderate amounts, normally with meals."
The fat percentage in this diet is estimated at between 25 percent and 35 percent. Because it is low in saturated fats, sweets and red meat, the Mediterranean diet is said to be healthier, especially for the heart.
Traditional Role of Diary
While the Mediterranean diet is not famous for including dairy, the food pyramid created by Oldways Preservation and Trust--a U.S. organization dedicated to promoting traditional food patterns and healthy eating--states that the daily recommended dairy servings in the Mediterranean diet are almost the same as those of the USDA's food pyramid. But the two servings mentioned in the Oldways pyramid means yogurt or cheese derived from goat's or sheep's milk, whereas the two to three servings of the USDA pyramid means whole milk and cheese from cows.
It is debatable whether the source of the dairy servings makes a difference. According to a study done by Harvard School of Public Research published in June 2009, "High consumption of fish and cereals and an avoidance of dairy products in the Mediterranean diet seemed to have little to do with the benefits of the overall diet." It seems that other factors are more important, such as the lack of processed foods and high amounts of sugar.
Actual Role of DIary
The Mediterranean diet of today is very different from the sparse one that originated with Dr. Ancel Keys in the '50s. Some Mediterraneans eat a lot of cheese. Rosemary Barron, who ran a cooking school on Crete between 1980 and 1984 "estimates that Cretans probably eat several pounds of cheese per week, providing about 600 calories of fat per day, or 25 percent of calories in a 2,400-calorie diet, just from cheese alone." In addition, Italians produce Parmesan and Gorgonzola, which are not low-fat cheeses. What's more, Italian cheese garnishes more than pizza these days. It is used in turnovers, vegetable dishes, salads and sandwiches. A favorite is mozzarella, cut into squares, dipped in batter and deep-fried.
Tags: Mediterranean diet, consumed moderate, consumed moderate amounts, dairy products, dairy servings