Mediterranean diet and health – a narrative review

Abstract

The Mediterranean Diet is a dietary pattern characterized by increased intake of olive oil, vegetables, fruits, cereals, nuts and pulses/legumes; as well as moderate intake of fish and other meat, dairy products and red wine. This dietary pattern has been associated with reduced risk for non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, certain cancers, and dementia. The importance of modifying lifestyle risk factors to reduce these diseases is evidence by the increased obesity rates and aging of the global population. To examine associations between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and non-communicable disease risk. There is evidence supporting a role for the Mediterranean Diet in primary and secondary non-communicable disease prevention; Furthermore, the Mediterranean Diet has been associated with reduced all-cause mortality.

Conclusions: The Mediterranean Diet is associated with demonstrable and measurable health benefits, including non-communicable disease prevention and reduced mortality risk. The Mediterranean Diet is frequently consumed by individuals in Blue Zones.

Keywords: Mediterranean diet; olive oil; non-communicable disease risk