Imagine popping a pill that is scientifically proven to increase longevity, reduce your chance of developing Type 2 diabetes, reduce your chance of becoming obese and lower your risk for heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Sound too good to be true? Even if such a pill were possible, who would want to miss the sheer enjoyment of savoring a good meal while enjoying a nice glass of wine? Don’t worry; we won’t be following George Jetson’s lifestyle anytime soon—swallowing one tiny pill to satisfy our nutrition needs for the entire day. No such pill exists, but research has shown that following a Mediterranean diet over a number of years can accomplish many of the same results. The Mediterranean diet is a pattern of food proportions, rather than a set list of allowable food items. The type of food, combination of items and the frequency with which they are eaten are all important aspects of the diet. In comparison to our typical Western diet, the Mediterranean diet is a...