for the fourth year in the row the us news and world reports annual ranking has named the mediterranean diet as the best overall diet for 2021 the dietary habits based on the traditional foods of the mediterranean region was chosen as it is easy to follow evidencebased and nutritionally balanced the diet trend that emphasises on fruits vegetables and whole grains has always been considered one of the most healthy diets it is known to keep your heart healthy prevent disease and promote longevity a panel of nutritionists and experts in the field of diabetes heart health and weight loss picked the mediterranean diet as their top choice out of 39 eating plans including keto weight watchers and atkins the dash and the flexitarian diets which are similar to the mediterranean diet grabbed the second and the third spot in the same category in addition to maintaining its top position as the best diet overall the traditional eating pattern of the mediterranean region has also grabbed the top stop in the best diets for healthy eating easiest diets to follow best diets for diabetes and best plantbased diets categories surprisingly the most searched keto diet whole30 and atkins were ranked among lowest on us news world reports list because of their poor sustainability and restrictions what is so special about the mediterranean diet mediterranean diet simply means following the traditional eating pattern of people living in the mediterranean region like greece italy france this diet trend focuses on including more green produce whole grains legumes nuts and olive oils poultry fish and red meat consumption are limited to weekly basis while dairy products are consumed in moderation being physically active and having red wine in moderation is also a part of this culture this diet began in the 1960s after it recognised that people living in the mediterranean countries die less from coronary heart disease as compared to the us and other parts of europe even the word health organisation who has recognised this as a healthy and sustainable dietary pattern numerous studies indicate that the mediterranean diet can help lose weight prevent heart attacks strokes type 2 diabetes and premature deathas per the american heart association the average mediterranean diet contains a high percentage of calories from fat but it is not harmful as it comes from monounsaturated fats such as olive oil in case you are trying to limit your fat intake then this diet may not be that helpful