What is the pure Mediterranean diet? Unpacking the authentic eating plan
                                
                                
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                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                Researchers first noted the remarkable longevity and low rates of chronic disease among people in Mediterranean regions like Crete and Southern Italy in the 1960s, a phenomenon linked to their diet. This observation gave rise to the modern concept of the Mediterranean diet, but its truest form—the "pure" Mediterranean diet—is distinct from many popularized versions. This article explores what the pure Mediterranean diet truly is, focusing on the traditional foods and lifestyle practices that define this healthful way of eating.