Hallmarks of the Mediterranean diet include: a variety of minimally processed whole grains and legumes as the staple food; plenty of a huge diversity of fresh
vegetables consumed on a daily basis; fresh fruits as the
typical daily dessert; cold pressed extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, and seeds as the principal source of fat; moderate
consumption of fish; dairy products consumed in low amounts; red and processed meat consumed in very low frequency and amounts; and wine consumed in low to moderate amounts only with meals.