In this week’s podcast, we discuss the Mediterranean Diet. The topic of the podcast starts at the 9-minute mark and the tip of the week starts at the 45-minute mark.

The Mediterranean Diet initially came into existence in the 80’s and it allows more fat intake than the standard American diet.

The standard American diet allows for 20% – 30% of total calories from fat. The Mediterranean Diet allows for 40% of total calories to come from fat. This additional fat comes from mainly olive oil.

Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat that is heat stable and a good addition to a healthy diet. However, it doesn’t have any special properties that make it stand head and shoulders above other fat choices. Animal sources of fat like lard or tallow are still better fat options.

The narrative that olive oil has been a staple of the human diet for thousands of years is not true. Olive oil began to be consumed more regularly in the 19th century. Before that, olive oil was used mainly for anointing people or to make soap.

To learn more about the history of the Mediterranean Diet and what makes this diet less than ideal for weight loss, check out this week’s podcast.