Bringing together Dr Simon Poole’s expertise gained over the last 20 years studying the health benefits of embracing a Mediterranean diet, this book is a revelation.
Sharing the science behind why you can drizzle your pasta with copious amounts of olive oil and why eating the colours of the rainbow keeps us healthy, The Real Mediterranean Diet keeps the science behind embracing this way of eating easy-to-follow and has been written for all. The Mediterranean diet just been named the world’s best diet for 2022.
In fact, a recent study of 90,00 suggests olive oil could reduce the risk of dying early. Dr Simon Poole, confirmed the importance of the study. “It has been said for a very long time that olive oil, especially combined with plenty of vegetables, is a very healthy choice. This research on a very large and diverse population backs up that science and provides even more incentive to include a daily spoonful of olive oil in cooking or drizzling on salads. It brings the boffin science down to earth in the context of advice from a doctor.”
Bursting with delicious and diverse recipes and insights from a range of international chefs, as well as hugely helpful meal planners, The Real Mediterranean Diet should not be considered a ‘diet’ book but an investment in health, wellbeing and self-care.
Having been awarded the International Gourmand Prize for the World’s Best Mediterranean Cuisine Book for his first book, The Olive Oil Diet, published in 2016, Poole’s latest book is receiving critical acclaim from those in the nutrition and scientific sectors, and is an award-winner in prospect.
Synopsis
Recommended by the World Health Organisation and perennial winner of the US News Best Diet Awards, the Mediterranean Diet is well-established as an evidence-based pattern of eating which can contribute significantly to a long and healthy life.
Yet all too often the Mediterranean Diet is described in a sentence or two, reduced to vegetables, fruit, fish and olive oil.
Understanding the Real Mediterranean Diet is a journey of discovery, with research now unlocking the nutritional secrets deeply embedded in the intuitive wisdom, traditions, landscape, culture and cuisine of those ancient lands which border the sea.
- Recognize the elements of the diet that fight inflammation and protect from heart disease, cancers and dementia.
- Understand the science of ingredient combinations that supercharge the Mediterranean Diet.
- Harness the foods which nurture our friendly gut bacteria, support a healthy immune system and even influence our genes.
- Train the senses to see and taste the power of antioxidants.
- Get to know polyphenols – probably the most important things you eat you’ve never heard of…
- Lose weight sustainably and feel better along the way.
- Eat as if the planet depends on it.
- Take the Mediterranean Diet quiz and see rapid progress to the world’s healthiest diet.
- Achieve the Real Mediterranean Diet through a simple yet effective 7-day programme.
- Learn to prepare beautiful Mediterranean cuisine and enjoy recipes from international celebrity chefs interpreting and promoting the Mediterranean Diet across the world.
The author says
“My interest in the Mediterranean diet began over twenty years ago, as scientific research began to reveal just how powerful this diet can be. I began to tell patients and colleagues, with a particular focus on how best to support others to discover and share the extraordinary benefits of this way of life.
“It became apparent that the majority of chronic illnesses might be prevented through lifestyle changes, I began to advise my patients in Cambridge to adopt a more Mediterranean way of eating.
“For some there have been moments of epiphany when an understanding of the way the diet works has sparked profound changes in their life which can be measured in their improved health and wellbeing. Many were astonished at improvements in their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, weight and even their sense of happiness and wellbeing. They reported feeling fitter and more energetic.
“Others simply adopt the Mediterranean Diet because it is such a pleasurable way to enjoy truly wholesome foods and to celebrate the art of preparing and sharing simple, yet exquisite meals. In my experience, it is the understanding and enjoyment of the Mediterranean Diet which results in an enduring love affair with the lifestyle.”
Receiving critical acclaim, reviews include:
“The Mediterranean Diet stands out in nutrition science research as one of the healthiest dietary patterns in the world and Dr Simon Poole has captured its elements, history, science and deliciousness in this fabulous book. With extra virgin olive oil at its heart, this pattern of eating not only makes everything taste better, it also reduces the risk of many chronic diseases, puts the brake on ageing and is good for the body from the gut to the brain everything in between. This book gives you the know-how to put it into practice no matter where you are in the world.”
– Dr Joanna McMillan PhD, Nutrition scientist, Dietitian & Fellow Lifestyle Medicine
“I was impressed with this well-written and comprehensive account of the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, together with a good and readable summary of the science behind the diet. It includes many relevant and useful food facts and is rounded off with a series of truly delicious recipes from chefs from around the Mediterranean and beyond.” – Richard, Lord Balfe, Past Honorary President of the British Dietetic Association and NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition and Health
Dr Simon Poole has written an excellent book on what quite possibly could be the best diet in the world that could save lives and the planet. Eat up!”– Dr RupyAujla, MBBS, MRCGP. Founder, “The Doctor’s Kitchen”
Five-star reviews on Amazon include:
“I’ve been following the diet described by Dr Poole for a week now and I’ve lost nearly 3 kg. The use of extra virgin olive oil is a revelation and I love the recipes from international chefs. The production values of this book are a bit low, and I wish the menu plan was 3 weeks, not one week but generally, this book is excellent, and I am thoroughly enjoying it.” – Raphael
“I am very new to the Mediterranean Diet. On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the greatest knowledge, I bought this book at a solid 0. I knew nothing. I now feel really confident in what I am getting into, why it works, and how I can continue this way of eating for as long as I choose. The font is larger than I expected with is a plus. The writing is clear, and although many of the terms are new to me, they are explained in such a way that makes it easy to learn. Bonuses are the colour photographs, 7-day meal planned recipes. If you’re learning and looking for approachable education, I suggest this book.” – Mama Mission – Amazon USA
“A fantastic book with everything you need to know about what is probably the healthiest diet in the world! Simon is a captivating author and speaker – he breaks down the why, how, what and “from whence came it” of this life-changing way of eating, living and being!
“The recipe sections and shopping list were fantastically useful and the stories and science behind why we need more EVOO and Mediterranean foods in our lives have allowed me to, not only transform the way I enjoy food with my family, but also communicate this to friends!” – EphemeralHhunter
The author
Dr Simon Poole MBBS DRCOG is a Cambridge-based medical doctor, author, broadcaster, and commentator and is an internationally renowned authority on the science and application of the Mediterranean Diet and lifestyle.
Simon has been involved in research and teaching with the University of Cambridge. He has been a member of the British Medical Association Public Health Committee and was awarded Fellowship of the Association in 2019 for services to the BMA.
He has presented on national and international radio and television, including the BBC programme Nadiya’s Family Favourites. Conference addresses have included presentations at institutions such as the National Association of Primary Care, the Royal College of General Practitioners, the International Congress of the European Society of Cardiology, the Italian Trade Commission, the Fine Food Fair at Olympia, the Institute of Health Sciences of the USA and the Boston Common Ground Convention.
His first book The Olive Oil Diet was published in 2016. Co-authored with Judy Ridgway, The Olive Oil Diet was awarded the International Gourmand Prize for the World’s Best Mediterranean Cuisine Book and was named the National Best Diet Book.
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