The main difference between the American diet and the Mediterranean diet is that the first one involves the use of animal fats as compared to the use of olive oils in the Mediterranean diet. It is believed that the olive oil reduces the cholesterol levels in the blood at the same time as the animal fats are believed to increase them. The olive oil is also considered to be an antioxidant and hence it can be pretty effective in healing cancer. Following the Mediterranean diet can be difficult since more than 40% of the calories in this diet come from the fats. On the other hand, the followers are allowed only small portions of the fatty items such as butter, red meat and margarine.

Replacing Saturated Fat With Olive Oil
It has to be noticed that the Mediterranean food offers very little when it comes to including the saturated or Tran’s fat in the diet. It is required that the followers would exclude all the fattening items such as the cookies, margarine, butter, peanuts and many more. You do not have to cut the fats immediately; it is advisable that you cut the amounts of fat gradually from the routine diet. Another way to reduce saturated fat is to replace the fats with the olive oils since the body gets the required amount of fat in the healthy way.

Red Wine
It is also interesting to know the consumption of red wine in the Mediterranean diet. The red wine is known to contain the essential phytonutrients and falconoid. The red wine is consumed in larger quantities in France and hence it is also known as the French Paradox. A lot of people who happen to be the strict followers of the Mediterranean diet might see a drastic change in their diet due to the consumption of red wine.

So in addition to the grains, cereals, pastas, vegetables and fruits, red wine comes as a huge relief for someone who is not used to diet. You are required to eat only small amounts of fish, milk products and poultry. However, dissimilar to the other diets, you are required to eat considerable amount of breads and potatoes. The followers are also encouraged to eat eggs as often as wished.