The Mediterranean Diet has been in the headlines for the past 20 years
and if you’re thinking about following it, but aren’t sure if you can commit
to it, why not try part of it.

Part of it?
Yes, start off by eating the fruits that come from the Mediterranean
and if that’s goes well, then commit to the full diet, (fish, nuts, seeds and greens)

So, are you ready?
Listed below, are some fruits (from the Mediterranean)
that not only taste great, but are great for you, health-wise.

a) Bergamot-
Not too popular in other countries, but this Italian orange is great
for those who are concerned about their cholesterol levels.
This citrusy fruit lowers “bad” cholesterol, while increasing the
“good” cholesterol.
Antioxidants in bergamots work the same way doctor-
prescribed statins do.
You may want to add the juice and some of the peel (zest)
to a smoothie, as the fruit itself is quite bitter. Or you can peel it,
add the pieces to a pan along with some dark honey or real maple
syrup (heat it on low for a few mins.) and eat it this way.
Or look for the supplements, (recommended dose- 1,000 mg. a day)
Talk to your health-care provider before taking any type of supplement.
b) Pomegranates-
A favorite fruit in the Fall and you’re concerned about toxins entering
your liver, eat and drink the juice from this red beauty.
Pomegranate juice helps you detox, or more importantly, your liver detox.
It protects you from pollutants and toxins and even helps you regrow
liver and kidney cells damaged by pollutants and toxins.
And the second benefit:
It works like a natural and safer Sunscreen. If you plan on spending
more time outdoors in the coming months, opt for this type of sunscreen
and not the type sold at most drugstores.
Aim to drink at least a glass (or two) of top quality pomegrante juice
each day. Also buy them whole and eat the seeds.
c) Dates-
These sweet treats are quite popular in the Mediterranean and Middle East,
and for good reasons: they’re quite delicious and good for you.
Yes, they’re high in calories, but eaten in moderation, they provide you
with the same mood-altering benefits you get from antidepressants.
That’s right, dates are filled with calming minerals, (magnesium
and calcium) that help you unwind and relax and the potassium,
lowers blood pressure and finally, the zinc, selenium and copper-
brighten your moods.
Another benefit: Dates also contain sulphur, which relieves symptoms
of seasonal allergies.
Find “nature’s candy” at any supermarket, health-food stores or
online at Thrivemarket.com and Amazon.com.
And remember: eat 2 to 4 each days, and no more, as they are high in calories.
d) Plums-
It’s a tragedy plums aren’t eaten year round as they provide you with
2 incredible health benefits, the first- a better memory.
If memory loss is a concern, start eating more plums.
Plums. like blueberries contain memory-enhancing minerals
that improve mental processing, strengthen neural connections
and bolster oxygen and blood to the brain, keeping you sharp
and alert, especially as you age. And if you’re losing short term
memory, eating more plums will help remember like you did
5 to 10 years ago.
The 2nd benefit: Strong bones. Another concern for aging seniors:
bone loss. Plums contain boron, a mineral linked to fewer fractures
and a lower risk of thinning bones (osteoporosis).
Look for plums during the Summer months.
Use them as a snack food, (in place of candy) or use them
like they do in the Mediterranean and cook them with
chicken and beef dishes or in baked goods.
And lastly: if plums aren’t available during certain months,
just buy Prunes, (yes, dried plums) and eat a few each day
for a better memory and stronger bones.
f) Apricots-
For Hollywood good looks. It’s too bad many stars in the entertainment
industry look to cosmetic surgery to enhance their youthful appearances
and not food, but if you can’t afford or aren’t willing to risk going under
the knife, then you must eat apricots.
They’re loaded with skin-protecting, orange pigments called carotenoids,
which act like sunscreen from the inside out, creating an extra internal
barrier against the Sun’s harmful rays. And they also contain rich supplies
of beta-carotene which converts to vitamin A in the body, protecting
your cells from the aging process.
And the second benefit:
Thick and Non-Graying Hair.
Hair loss happens to men and women and the reasons why are too numerous
to mention, but if you’re concerned about thinning and graying, add more
apricots to your daily menus.
Look for apricots during the Summer months, and if they’re on sale,
buy them, clean them and freeze them in plastic bags.
Add them to smoothies or add them to chicken or baked dishes.
And one last reminder: Go back and read (or reread) our post on the
foods that’ll help you look youthful well into your 50’s and 60’s.
g) Grapes-
Darker grapes can have the same affect on your health as exercise
and a very clean diet, meaning they (grapes) will slow down the aging
process. Grapes contain resveratrol, which turns off the genes that
are involved in aging. Grapes also protect you from some cancers,
heart disease, strokes, bruising and varicose veins.
Another important tip: A group of doctors say if you really
want to slow aging, juice some fresh parsley and dark grapes, (or dark
grape juice) together and drink a few times a week.
Look for dark grapes at produce stores or large supermarkets.

That’s it- your grocery list for this week- Finding fruit from the Mediterranean.
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Sources:
a) Journal of Toxicology and Industrial Health
b) Jonny Bowden, author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth
c) Chris Kilham, Ethnobotanist