ABSTRACT
Several Mediterranean countries have their own unique eating styles, yet many common food items exist in all the nations bordering this major sea basin. Traditional Mediterranean diets apply mainly to the coastal regions—the littoral edge—of these nations because of proximity to the sea and its bounty of seafood. Fish and seafood are basic to eating habits in these nations, but some meats, particularly lamb, and their products are also popular. The Mediterranean nations, like other nations of the world, increasingly are faced with the availability of highly processed foods and “fast” foods. The addition of chemical additives for the purpose of food preservation, appearance, or other functions has increased the number of potentially adverse health effects. Nutrient additives to foods, especially vitamins and minerals, generally are safe and potentially beneficial. The term fast foods generally refers to relatively inexpensive food that is prepared and served quickly and often eaten quickly.
