SeeCalifornia.com

EAT LIKE A GREEK! If you’re looking for a heart healthy diet, Mayo Clinic says the Mediterranean diet may be right for you. Research of more than 1.5 million healthy adults has shown that the traditional Mediterranean diet associated with a lower level of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — the “bad” cholesterol that’s more likely to build up deposits in your arteries —  was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality as well as overall mortality.

The Mediterranean diet is also associated with a reduced incidence of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and cancer diseases, including breast cancer when women eat a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil and mixed nuts.

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes:

• Plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts
• Olive oil and canola oil instead of butter
• Herbs and spices instead of salt
• Fish and poultry at least twice a week
• Red meat no more than a few times a month
• Relaxed dining with family and friends
• Red wine in moderation (optional)
• Exercise

California Greek Festivals are Hot off the Grill!

• ANAHEIM: Orange County Greek Festival May May 17-19, 2019
• OAKLAND: Greek Festival May 17-19
• NOVATO: Marin Greek Festival May 24-26
• NORTHRIDGE: Valley Greek Festival May 25-27
• SAN JOSE: Greek Festival May 31-June 2
• SAN LUIS OBISPO: Greek Festival June 1-2
• SAN DIEGO: Spyridon Greek Festival June 7-9
• CAMARILLO: Ventura County Greek Festival June 21-23
• IRVINE: St. Paul’s Greek Festival June 28-30
• REDONDO BEACH: South Bay Greek Festival July 12-14
• SANTA BARBARA: Greek Festival July 28-29
• CASTRO VALLEY: Greek Festival August 17-19
• FRESNO: St. George Greek Festival August 23-25

See More California Greek Festivals!