The Mediterranean Diet – Greek or Israeli?

When health professionals talk about the Mediterranean diet, we're referring to a pattern of eating found in the late 1950's and early 60's in the olive growing areas of the Mediterranean.

Countries like Greece, Spain and southern Italy. Before "fast food" got there.

Every country had its own variation of the diet, but the common elements were:

Lots of fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits

Legumes, nuts and seeds

Whole grains

Olive oil as the main source of fat

Moderate amounts of wine, fish and dairy products (mainly cheese and yogurt)

Very little red meat

Can Israel claim the Mediterranean diet as well?

In the Tanach, the Land of Israel is described as

"[A] Land of wheat, barley, grape, fig and pomegranate; a Land of olive oil and date honey." (Devarim 8:8)

"…a land flowing with milk and honey…" (Shemot 3:8)

Here we have the seven species – including whole grains, fruit, olive oil and wine. Add (goat's) milk, which was most likely made into yogurt.

It sounds like the Mediterranean diet started right here!