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The Italian Mediterranean diet: serving up great food and good
health*
Low in fat and high in flavor, the potential health benefits of Italian
Mediterranean cooking have long been considered . What makes the diet so
healthful is a combination of antioxidants from several different ingredients.
They include:
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the number-one staple of the Italian Mediterranean diet. Versatile
and juicy, they contain lycopene, an antioxidant that gives them their rich,
red color. (Antioxidants fight free-flowing molecules in the body that damage
other cells, known as free radicals.)
Getting a lycopene fix is easy (and delicious) with
Classico® Brand sauces. There are more than 19
tomato sauces to choose from.
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Olive oil
For centuries, olive oil was administered both internally and externally for
health and beauty.
Olive oil has high contents of monounsaturated fatty acids and
antioxidants. The combination has been shown to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
levels and raise the “good” HDL cholesterol in the body. Such an effect can
have the potential to protect against heart disease and other chronic diseases.
Olive oil is an ingredient in almost all varieties of
Classico® Brand sauces. Experience a taste of
this centuries-old favorite tonight.
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Garlic
The pungent flavor and smell of garlic has a magical ability not just on
recipes, but on the body as well: it’s been shown to lower cholesterol and
blood pressure! No wonder the Italians always seem to be enjoying life.
Enjoy the robust flavor tonight with
Classico® Roasted Garlic or
Roasted Garlic Alfredo sauces.
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Fish oil
Mediterranean dishes often include fish (instead of meat). And oily fish (like
sardines) are a source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fats—which are good for heart
health because of their anti-inflammatory properties.
Give sardines or other fish a flavor boost by cooking in or
topping with
Classico® Traditional Sweet Basil.
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Red wine
Red grape seeds and skins contain powerful antioxidants that increase HDL
(“good”) cholesterol and prevent blood clotting.
Italians don’t just drink red wine: they cook with it, too.
Discover the smooth flavor in
Classico® Cabernet Marinara with Herbs.
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Lots of fresh vegetables
Bold in color, and high in fiber and antioxidants, fresh vegetables are used in
abundance in Italian Mediterranean cooking. They’re the cornerstone of any
healthful diet—Mediterranean or otherwise.
Add extra flavor (and antioxidants) to boiled, steamed or
grilled vegetables: drizzle with olive oil or top with any favorite
Classico® brand sauces.
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*The health benefits presented in this
section pertain specifically to the Italian Mediterranean diet and not to
Classico® brand sauces. Classico® brand makes no health claims on any of its
products.
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