That means opting for fruit, vegetables, cereals and olive oil.

CNN: Vital Signs health tips

The introduction of cultivated cereals and vegetables, along with dairy produce, resulted in a poorer diet and a consequent decline in human stature, only reversed (at least in developed countries) in the last century.

ECONOMIST: Food in history

The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a nutritional model that has remained constant over time and space, consisting mainly of olive oil, cereals, fresh or dried fruit and vegetables, a moderate amount of fish, dairy and meat, and many condiments and spices, all accompanied by wine or infusions, always respecting beliefs of each community.

UNESCO: Culture

Proposed regulation threatens rare varieties of cereals, fruits and vegetables planted by farmers and other growers, it has been claimed.

BBC: Planned new European laws 'threaten' rare seeds

Hi Uma - There is a great deal of research suggesting that extra virgin olive oil, the principal source of fat in the Mediterranean diet (which is also rich in vegetables, cereals, fruit, fish and wine), is very healthy for your heart in several ways.

CNN: How heart-healthy is olive oil?

The Mediterranean diet began to gain heart health advocates, with its high content of olive oil, fruits, nuts, vegetables, cereals, moderate amount of fish and poultry, and low intake of dairy products, red meat, processed meats and sweets.

FORBES: ?Ol��! How the New Spanish Study Should Change Your Diet

The church recommends a diet with "generous use of whole-grain breads, cereals and pastas, a liberal use of fresh vegetables and fruits, a moderate use of legumes, nuts and seeds, " according to a statement on its website.

WSJ: Vegetarians Live Longer Than Meat-Eaters, Study Finds

There are six villages and one settlement within the biosphere reserve, with a total of 10, 000 people (1997) who are mainly engaged in the cultivation of cereals (wheat, barley, corn), vegetables and melons, as well as in animal husbandry (sheep, cattle, pig).

UNESCO: Biosphere Reserve Information