Mediterranean and Indian Diet: Similarities

What is the Mediterranean Diet? 
A high consumption of fruits, vegetables, bread and other cereals, potatoes, beans,and nuts

Olive oil is an important monounsaturated fat source

Dairy products, fish and poultry are consumed in low to moderate amounts

Little red meat is eaten

Eggs are consumed zero to four times a week

Wine is consumed in low to moderate amounts
(*Source: American Heart Association)

What is an Indian Diet?

A high consumption of fruits, vegetables, potatoes, legumes(beans, peas and lentils) rice, wheat and spices

A light cooking medium such as canola oil is used in cooking

Dairy products, fish and poultry are consumed in moderate amounts

Eggs are consumed 2 to 3 times a week, little red meat(lamb)is eaten occasionally

Wine and other alcohol are consumed in moderation

Water, coffee (like cappuccino or latte) and tea are consumed.

Picture showing a vegetarian plate with dishes such as broccoli with coconut, chickpeas with mango, eggplant masala, cabbage and carrot poriyal, seasoned baby carrots, mushroom masala, with aromatic basmati rice with carrots and peas. (from Alamelu’s kitchen!)

In my opinion, Mediterranean diet has common features to Indian diet. To top things off, Indian cooking also uses spices and legumes that have intrinsic health benefits.The use of spices also help reduce or eliminate the need for salt consumption.