The Polk County Extension Office is offering a six-week cooking class for the Mediterranean diet beginning Thursday, June 7, at 10 a.m.

Eating the Mediterranean way is not only healthy, it is delicious, extension office representatives said. Satisfying foods once thought of as too high in fat or unhealthy, including nuts, olive oil, olives and whole grains, become an everyday part of one’s diet.

Research has shown that the traditional Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart disease, reduces incidence of cancer, and Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Women who eat a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil and mixed nuts may have a reduced risk of breast cancer.

People may call the Polk County Cooperative Extension office at 828-894-8218 to reserve a space. There is a fee for the classes.

-Submitted by Jimmi Buell