The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet have been cited over and over again.  Hailing from the traditional dietary patterns of residents along the Mediterranean coast, the main staples of the diet include nuts, whole grains, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, unrefined cereals, lots of legumes, just as much fish, some cheese and yogurt and occasional consumption of wine. The cornerstone of this diet is its limit in the consumption of red meat to only a few times a month. Scientists have recently found that those who follow a Mediterranean Diet without any calorie restrictions and chock full of delicious olive oil and nuts. Why? Read on.