Mediterranean Diet to Join United Nations World Heritage List?

By: Aina Hunter
Topics: News ,; Diet ,; Heart ,; Food and Drink

(iStockphoto)

(CBS) The so-called Mediterranean diet may join the Great Pyramid of Giza, Argentina's tango, Cambodia's Angkor Wat and Croatian lacemaking if UN officials vote it onto the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world heritage list. The vote comes in November.

PICTURES: The Essential Mediterranean Diet

"It is a bit strange putting a diet on the list, and the first time they would do it, but it makes perfect sense," Rolando Manfredini of the Italian farmers' lobby group told The Guardian. Not only is this culture, but it also makes you live longer and better."

Manfredini may not be an objective source, but many health experts agree that the low-fat diet - made up of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, fish and olive oil and an occasional glass of red wine - is the way to go for good health.

PICTURES: The Essential Mediterranean Diet

The CBS Early Show's Dr. Emily Senay says studies show that the diet, which originated in Italy and Greece, reduces metabolic syndrome - a cluster of symptoms that puts people at a higher risk for heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. People who adhere to it are also at a lower risk for obesity, fat buildup in the arteries and high blood pressure.

The diet might even improve your appearance. Dr. David Bank, author of "Beautiful Skin: Every Woman's Guide to Looking her Best at Any Age," says that a diet including fish, olive oil, vegetables and beans "may help minimize sun damage and prevent wrinkles."