Fish , Cereal and Legumes on mediterranean Diet

Fish

Though fish consumption varied widely both between and within Mediterranean countries, fish was by far preferred over meat in the traditional Mediterranean Diet. Fish consumption is associated with reduced coronary heart and cerebrovascular mortality, though a recent review of cohort studies suggests that the effect is more evident among high-risk groups only.A possible mechanism is the beneficial role of n-3 fatty acids on blood clotting and triglyceride levels.

Cereals and legumes
Cereals form the basis of the Mediterranean Diet pyramid and legumes are listed among the important compounds of diet in the Mediterranean region. Overall, there is substantial epidemiologic evidence that whole grains are associated with decreased risk of coronary artery disease and some cancers. The role of legumes in these diseases appears promising, but is as yet inconclusive, although it appears that frequent consumption of legumes and derivatives is associated with reduced levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. Complex carbohydrates derived from whole wheat bread, other cereal products, and legumes, which are plentiful in the Mediterranean Diet, are only weakly conducive to postprandial hyperglycemia, which could be
important in the pathogenesis of metabolic and other diseases.