Staying Sharp | The Mediterranean Diet
It's the ideal brain food, research reveals. And deliciously easy with these recipes from America's favorite Mediterranean cooks.
By: Tamara Holt | Source: NRTA Live & Learn | THURSDAY, April 9, 2009
The Recipes
A Celebratory Meal
Asparagus Wrapped in Pancetta with Citronette
From Mario Batali
Roasted Halibut with Grapefruit Fennel Salsa
From Giada De Laurentiis
Lentil and Walnut Salad
From Nancy Harmon Jenkins
Yogurt with Fresh Pears and Walnuts
From Michael Psilakis
Tasty Beans and Grains
Easy White Beans with Tomatoes and Garlic
From Martha Rose Shulman
Panzanella Di Farro, or Tuscan-style Tomato Salad with Farro
From Sara Jenkins and Mindy Fox
Big Flavors the Secret
Crisp Salmon with Green Herb and Caper Sauce
From Joanne Weir
Rice Pilaf
From Mark Bittman
Farmers' Market Meals
Zephyr Zucchini with Opal Basil, Pine Nuts, and Parmigiano-Reggiano
From Deborah Madison
Chard Frittata
From Alice Waters
about the author
Tamara Holt is a writer, editor, and educator with special expertise in consumer food choices, organic and natural products, and creating an easy, fun, healthy lifestyle. "My passion is helping people cook better, eat better, buy better, and live better," she says. Holt has written three antioxidant-focused cookbooks and produced dozens of food stories as the food editor of Redbook and Jewish Living magazines. "But nothing comes close to the pride I feel in having been part of building Spoons Across America," says Holt. An education nonprofit aimed at educating children, teachers, and parents about the benefits of healthy eating, Spoons Across America has engaged thousands of children in hands-on and experiential culinary education each year since 2001. (Photo by Anson Smart)
where to learn more
The Science: Columbia University researchers, led by Nikolaos Scarmeas, MD, published the results of their study "Mediterranean Diet and Mild Cognitive Impairment" in Archives of Neurology, February 2009.
Earlier studies have shown that the Med diet has a positive effect on many aspects of health and longevity.
The Pyramid: The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid is a description of a whole lifestyle, rather than just what food groups to eat: Regular exercise and time (yes, meals!) shared with friends and family form its foundation.
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