Using Mediterranean recipes can have a variety of health benefits, an expert has claimed.

Antioxidants are produced from eating large quantities of fruit and vegetables, said nutrition consultant Dr Carina Norris, which can protect against heart problems.

She also pointed out that they will help defend against cancer, as well as allowing home cooks to maintain a healthy weight.

"It's a sad fact that people can become cynical if they see too many conflicting news stories about nutrition," Dr Norris explained.

The expert said that people find it hard to know what to believe and which studies are the most reliable.

Recent research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed that the Mediterranean diet has a positive impact on both metabolic syndrome and waist circumference.

HDL-cholesterol levels, triglycerides levels, blood pressure levels and glucose metabolism were also found to benefit from the healthy eating regime.