9 Essential Ingredients of Italian Cuisine

Incorporate these healthy staples of Italian cooking into your daily meals for added flavor and health benefits.

Italian cuisine follows the Mediterranean pattern of eating—it focuses on simple, natural ingredients, such as tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, dark leafy greens and whole grains, making it one of the world’s healthiest diets. Research suggests that the benefits of a Mediterranean-style eating pattern may include improved weight loss, better control of blood-glucose (sugar) levels and reduced risk of depression. Find out which essential ingredients of Italian cuisine you should add to your diet.

Next: Olive Oil »

More Healthy Italian Recipes

Healthy Italian Pasta Recipes
Healthy Recipes for Italian Desserts
Skinny Recipes for Italian Food

more smart savings

9 Essential Ingredients of Italian Cuisine

Incorporate these healthy staples of Italian cooking into your daily meals for added flavor and health benefits.

More Healthy Italian Recipes

EatingWell Magazine

Poll of the week

Today's Favorites

Magazine

Advertising

About

Multimedia & Tools

Resources

Recipes & Menus

Healthy Cooking

Diet & Health

Food News & Origins

Videos

Shop