When people think about the Mediterranean, two things come to mind: a great place to go to, and great food. Though only some have the opportunity to go to the region, a lot of people know about their cuisine and how it is said to prolong life.

As it turns out, the Mediterranean diet's claims of prolonging life may not be just folklore after all as Gianluca Tognon, a scientist at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gotherburg, found evidence that the region's diet can promote a longer life.

Since the 1950s, research studies have shown that a Mediterranean diet, based on a high consumption of fish and vegetables, as well as a low consumption of animal-based products such as meat and milk, can lead to a better health. And true enough, unanimous result of four studies yet to be published by the Sahlgrenska Academy found it to be factual.

In their study, scientists at the academy studied the effects of a Mediterranean diet on a group of older people in Sweden. What they did was to compare two groups of 70-year-olds; one group followed a Mediterranean diet, while the other went with the usual meat and animal products.

Under these parameters, results show that those who followed a Mediterranean diet had a 20% high chance of living longer than those who only had a normal diet. Tognon explained that this means, in practice, older people who eat Mediterranean diet live an estimated two to three years longer than those who don't.

Researchers said that their other three studies done on people in Denmark, one on people in northern Sweden, and the third on children, also support their findings of the health effects of the diet.

In addition to extending life, other researchers found that eating a Mediterranean diet was linked to a reduced risk of overall and cardiovascular mortality, Mayo Clinic reported.

So with all of these life enriching benefits, how does one start following this diet? According Mediterranean-Food-Recipes.com, it's easy, just eat plenty of local, seasonal, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, and rice or pasta regularly.

Add to that a few meals that include bread or legumes, and the consumption of olive oil in raw form.

Of course, getting plenty of exercise is also part of following a Mediterranean diet.