A very refreshing report has just come out of Britain. Eleven senior doctors have presented a strong, new mandate to Prime Minister David Cameron, insisting that it’s time for diet to be placed at the forefront of health policy. Although it was research specifically into the prevention of dementia that led to this conclusion, the doctors agree that the Mediterranean diet can go a long way toward preventing many other chronic illnesses.

 

A Mediterranean-style diet is one that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and olive oil. Fish is eaten at least twice a week, but meat and sugar only once. Moderate consumption of wine is advised. According to this article in the National Post, such a diet reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and Alzheimers, while improving cognitive function.

 

It seems a small price to pay for better health – and it truly is. According to a brand new study from the Harvard School of Public Health, Americans can afford to eat a healthy Mediterranean-style diet for only an extra $1.50 a day. While the annual price tag of $550/per person may seem daunting to some families, it’s still much cheaper than the cost of poor health.