The Mediterranean diet has long been associated with a healthy, balanced lifestyle and the key to good health. So what is the Mediterranean and what makes it so good for us? A typical Mediterranean diet includes lots of vegetables, fruits, beans, cereals and cereal products, for example, wholegrain bread, pasta and brown rice. It also contains a moderate amount of fish, meat and dairy. 

HEALTHY FATS

Healthy fats are a mainstay of the Mediterranean diet. They're eaten instead of less healthy fats, such as saturated and trans fats, which contribute to heart disease. The primary source of added fat in the Mediterranean diet is monounsaturated fat, which has been found to lower total cholesterol and LDL (or "bad") cholesterol levels and experts believe it can also raise the levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol. This is found in olives, olive oil, nuts and seeds but is also found in natural Spanish dry-cured ham. 

SPANISH DRY-CURED HAM

Dry-cured ham contains a high proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid. In fact, Olive Oil is the only natural food which has a higher content of these beneficial substances. Monounsaturated fats are widely recognised to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and recommended as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Dry-cured ham also contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, E, and Group D vitamins and is a natural source of iron, calcium, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium. Because of its iron content, regular consumption is often recommended as a prevention of osteoporosis.   

A QUALITY SOURCE OF PROTEIN

Spanish ham is a delicious source of the highest quality protein. In addition to the high protein content, it also contains a high proportion of essential amino acids which help you to absorb the nutrients. During the dry-curing process, proteins are broken down into their constituent amino acids, making them easier to digest. This is why dry-cured ham is considered a light food despite it being classed as red meat.

THE ABSENCE OF INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING

The health risks associated with red meat are usually the result of industrial processing where chemical additives and preservatives are used. Provided the ham has been naturally produced, dry-cured ham does not require any of these elements and is a clean source of protein, vitamins and minerals.