Eat Lots Of Paella, Live A Looooong Life.

The health benefits of the "Mediterranean Diet" have been well-documented over the last few years. And if any single dish exemplifies the so-called Mediterranean Diet, it has to be paella. Think about it: Olive oil, garlic, onion (although highly debateable), tomatoes, peppers, sea food, or some lean poultry. It is a health-nut's dream come true! According to many sources, the following are the benefits of eating paella:

• The Olive Oil is rich in monounsaturated fat, which can lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol while increase HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). It is also a source of antioxidants including vitamin E.


• Fish, especially "oily fish," is high in omega 3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat which can also lower cholesterol. In 2002, the American Heart Association made a recommendation to the general public to include at least 2 servings of fish per week.


• Vegetables are high in beneficial fibers and antioxidants, which are protective against both heart disease and cancer. Indeed, a recent study published in January 2006 by London researchers showed that 5 servings of fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of stroke by 25 percent.


• 30% Reduced Risk of cardiovascular disease.


• Reduced Risk of cancer.


• 83% Reduced Risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.


• Alleviation of pain for sufferers of Arthritis.

When I lived in Barcelona, not a day went by without some Spaniard (or Catalan, to be more precise) preaching to me about the celestial benefits of the Mediterranean Diet. It looks like the research backs them up. So go ahead and fire up the coals . . . Eat Lots Of Paella.