Nutritional and Cultural Aspects of the Mediterranean Diet

2012 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lluis Serra-Majem ◽  
Anna Bach-Faig ◽  
Blanca Raidó-Quintana
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Eating Pattern ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Cultural Aspects ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Health Model

The recent recognition by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) of the Mediterranean diet as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity reinforces, together with the scientific evidence, the Mediterranean diet as a cultural and health model. The Mediterranean diet has numerous beneficial effects on among others the immune system, against allergies, on the psyche, or even on quality of life, topics that are currently fields of research. The Mediterranean diet has an international projection; it is regarded as the healthiest and the most sustainable eating pattern on the planet and is a key player in the public health nutrition field globally, but especially in the Mediterranean area. Moreover, this ancient cultural heritage should be preserved and promoted from different areas: public health, agriculture, culture, politics, and economic development.

scholarly journals Experimental Outcomes of the Mediterranean Diet: Lessons Learned from the Predimed Randomized Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 2991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dicle Kargin ◽  
Laura Tomaino ◽  
Lluís Serra-Majem
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Olive Tree ◽  
Energy Restriction ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Predimed Study

The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is, culturally and historically, the nutritional pattern shared by people living in the olive-tree growing areas of the Mediterranean basin. It is of great importance for its potential preventive effect against cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) study, a Spanish multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT), was designed to assess the long-term effects of the MD, without any energy restriction, on the incidence of CVD in individuals at high cardiovascular (CV) risk. Since its inception, it gave a great contribution to the available literature on the issue. It is well known that, in the field of the health sciences, RCTs provide the best scientific evidence. Thus, the aim of the present review is to analyse the results of the RCTs performed within the frame of the PREDIMED study. Our findings showed that MD has beneficial effects in the primary prevention of CVDs, diabetes and in the management of metabolic syndrome.

scholarly journals The Mediterranean Diet as a Source of Natural Compounds: Does It Represent a Protective Choice Against Cancer?

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 920
Author(s):  
Giuseppina Augimeri ◽  
Daniela Bonofiglio
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Red Wine ◽  
Eating Pattern ◽  
Public Health Policies ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
The Past ◽  
High Adherence ◽  
Inflammatory Processes ◽  
Phytochemical Compounds ◽  
The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean diet (MD), characterized by a high intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and grains, a moderate intake of red wine and a reduced consumption of meat, has been considered one of the healthiest dietary patterns worldwide. Growing evidence suggests an inverse relationship between high adherence to the MD and cancer, as well as other chronic degenerative diseases. The beneficial effects elicited by the MD pattern on cancer are due to the high contents of bioactive compounds contained in many foods of MD, which protect cells by oxidative and inflammatory processes and inhibit carcinogenesis by targeting the various hallmarks of cancer with different mechanisms of action. Although over the past decades numerous dietary and phytochemical compounds from Mediterranean food that have anticancer potential have been identified, a clear association between the MD eating pattern and cancer needs to be established. While we wait for answers to this question from well-conducted research, the empowering of the MD as a protective choice against cancer should represent the priority for public health policies.

scholarly journals Obesity, Mediterranean Diet, and Public Health: A Vision of Obesity in the Mediterranean Context from a Sociocultural Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3715
Author(s):  
Francesc Xavier Medina ◽  
Josep M. Solé-Sedeno ◽  
Anna Bach-Faig ◽  
Alicia Aguilar-Martínez
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Social Problem ◽  
Rapid Change ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Cultural Perspective ◽  
Sociocultural Perspective ◽  
Cultural Boundaries ◽  
Points Of View ◽  
The Mediterranean

Obesity is a disease that straddles medico-nutritional, psychological, and socio-cultural boundaries. There is a clear relationship between lifestyle and obesity, and today the Mediterranean diet in the Mediterranean area may represent an interesting corrective asset. However, we should not be under any misapprehension about the model’s capacity for action in non-nutritional terms. Our societies are experiencing a process of rapid change, and the Mediterranean area is no exception. The aim of this article is to present a view of obesity in the Mediterranean context from an open, mainly socio-cultural perspective, but from different points of view (medical, nutritional), seeking points of convergence and elements that contribute to the understanding of and approach to the disease in the context of the Mediterranean diet. As a public health and a multidimensional social problem, obesity must be dealt with in a holistic, open, and cross-disciplinary manner to ensure that it can be understood coherently. The only way to keep the usefulness of the Mediterranean diet within desirable limits will be our societies’ vitality and interest in rapidly adapting the Mediterranean diet to social change, thus providing valid answers to today’s needs.

scholarly journals The Beneficial Health Effects of Vegetables and Wild Edible Greens: The Case of the Mediterranean Diet and Its Sustainability

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (24) ◽  
pp. 9144
Author(s):  
Elena Chatzopoulou ◽  
Márcio Carocho ◽  
Francesco Di Gioia ◽  
Spyridon A. Petropoulos
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Scientific Interest ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
Cultural Aspects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Healthy Diets ◽  
The World ◽  
The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean diet (MD) concept as currently known describes the dietary patterns that were followed in specific regions of the area in the 1950s and 1960s. The broad recognition of its positive effects on the longevity of Mediterranean populations also led to the adoption of this diet in other regions of the world, and scientific interest focused on revealing its health effects. MD is not only linked with eating specific nutritional food products but also with social, religious, environmental, and cultural aspects, thus representing a healthy lifestyle in general. However, modern lifestyles adhere to less healthy diets, alienating people from their heritage. Therefore, considering the increasing evidence of the beneficial health effects of adherence to the MD and the ongoing transitions in consumers’ behavior, the present review focuses on updating the scientific knowledge regarding this diet and its relevance to agrobiodiversity. In addition, it also considers a sustainable approach for new marketing opportunities and consumer trends of the MD.

scholarly journals Special Issue “Mediterranean Diet and Metabolic Diseases”

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2680
Author(s):  
Emmanuella Magriplis ◽  
Michail Chourdakis
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been considered among the healthiest dietary patterns since a little over 50 years ago, Ancel Keys—as the key figure—provided evidence for the beneficial effects of the MD [...]

The Portuguese MEDITERRANEAN DIET Wheel: development considerations

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
S.S.P. Rodrigues ◽  
B. Franchini ◽  
I. Pinho ◽  
P. Graça
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Education Professionals ◽  
Food Pattern ◽  
Health Directorate ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Diet And Lifestyle

Abstract Scientific evidence has been reporting the health and environmental benefits of the Mediterranean Diet. However, countries of the Mediterranean region, Portugal included, are gradually abandoning this traditional food pattern. The aim of the present work was to develop the Portuguese Mediterranean Diet Wheel. Three main steps were followed: 1) Establishment of the most relevant Mediterranean diet and lifestyle principles to improve this pattern among the Portuguese population; 2) Converting those principles into a captivating and easy to understand tool; 3) Obtaining experts’ opinion. By a matter of consistency, the preservation and transmission of the Mediterranean heritage was represented through an upgrade of the current Portuguese food wheel guide. This complementary tool highlights the Mediterranean Diet enlarged character that encompasses a healthy lifestyle and reinforces sociocultural and environmental features. It was launched at the end of 2016 and was nationally disseminated with the support of the Portuguese Health Directorate. Initially it was presented in a poster format image that was subsequently spread in different communication formats. This newly developed Mediterranean Food Guide is a complementary educational tool that will support health and education professionals in the never ending mission of promoting healthy food choices.

If we eat soy, do we keep the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet?

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 1099-1108
Author(s):  
Giovanni Aulisa ◽  
Claudio Binda ◽  
Elvira Padua ◽  
Antonio Pratesi ◽  
Alfonso Bellia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Typical Food ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to evaluate if soya consumption can compromise or positively influence the effects of the Mediterranean diet (MD). Design/methodology/approach A full literature review has been conducted as part of a proposal of a new point of view on the consumption of soya and its derivatives in areas where until a few decades ago this type of food did not exist at all. Findings There does not seem to be any contraindications for soy systematic use, therefore, excluding historical-geographical reasons, soya could be included in an MD without altering the benefits associated with it. Practical implications Soya is not advised as a typical food in the MD, but promoting its use could probably contribute to increase the variety of the diet and likely consolidates the positive health benefits characteristic of MD. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this review is one of the first to evaluate soybean consumption within the MD.

scholarly journals The phenolic compounds of olive oil: structure, biological activity and beneficial effects on human health

2005 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Tripoli ◽  
Marco Giammanco ◽  
Garden Tabacchi ◽  
Danila Di Majo ◽  
Santo Giammanco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Activity ◽  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
Olive Oil ◽  
Saturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Virgin Olive Oil ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
The Mediterranean

AbstractThe Mediterranean diet is rich in vegetables, cereals, fruit, fish, milk, wine and olive oil and has salutary biological functions. Epidemiological studies have shown a lower incidence of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases and certain kinds of cancer in the Mediterranean area. Olive oil is the main source of fat, and the Mediterranean diet's healthy effects can in particular be attributed not only to the high relationship between unsaturated and saturated fatty acids in olive oil but also to the antioxidant property of its phenolic compounds. The main phenolic compounds, hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, which give extra-virgin olive oil its bitter, pungent taste, have powerful antioxidant activity bothin vivoandin vitro. The present review focuses on recent works analysing the relationship between the structure of olive oil polyphenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity. These compounds' possible beneficial effects are due to their antioxidant activity, which is related to the development of atherosclerosis and cancer, and to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.

scholarly journals Perceções de utilização do conceito de Dieta Mediterrânica, potencial utilização indevida e perspetivas a explorar = Perceptions of use of the concept of Mediterranean diet, potential misuse and prospects to explore

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena Real ◽  
Pedro Graça
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Food Industry ◽  
Food Advertising ◽  
Intangible Cultural Heritage ◽  
Economic Policies ◽  
Future Perspectives ◽  
Cultural Model ◽  
The Mediterranean

Resumo: Introdução: A distinção da Dieta Mediterrânica como Património Cultural Imaterial da Humanidade pela UNESCO permitiu intensificar a investigação e comunicação deste modelo cultural, realçando o interesse em utilizá-lo em diversas áreas. Objetivos: Identificar perceções sobre a utilização do conceito de Dieta Mediterrânica, a potencial utilização indevida e elencar perspetivas a explorar. Metodologia: Foram aplicados treze questionários semiestruturados a personalidades representativas da Dieta Mediterrânica, do AlgarvePortugal. O áudio das entrevistas foi gravado, transcrito, codificado tematicamente e analisado. Resultados: Os entrevistados consideram haver utilização do conceito, nomeadamente nas áreas: Agricultura/agronomia, Ambiente, Alimentação, Convivialidade, Cultura, Economia, Farmacêutica, Política, Saúde e Turismo. Identificaram como potenciais utilizações indevidas situações em áreas como alimentação, gastronomia, indústria alimentar e publicidade a alimentos. Como perspetivas de exploração futura referiu-se ser necessário investir em agronomia e sustentabilidade; alimentação, saúde e políticas económicas; certificação e regulação do uso do conceito; cultura e turismo e educação e comunicação do conceito. Conclusões: Será importante promover uma reflexão global e uma uniformização de linguagem para uma comunicação mais eficaz da Dieta Mediterrânica; promover medidas que visem minimizar as atuais utilizações indevidas do conceito, que impedem uma comunicação de qualidade; promover a sua melhor utilização para que se possa promover e salvaguardar este conceito.Palavras-Chave: Análise qualitativa; Dieta Mediterrânica; Perspetivas futuras; Utilização indevida do conceito; Utilização do conceito.Abstract: Introduction: The distinction of the Mediterranean Diet as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO has made it possible to intensify the research and communication of this cultural model, highlighting the interest in using it in several areas. Objectives: To identify perceptions about the Mediterranean Diet concept use, potential misuse and to list prospects to explore. Methodology: Thirteen semi-structured questionnaires were applied to personalities representative of the Mediterranean Diet, from Algarve-Portugal. The interview audio was recorded, transcribed, thematically coded and analyzed. Results: Interviewees consider using the concept, especially in the areas: Agriculture/agronomy, Environment, Food, Conviviality, Culture, Economy, Pharmaceuticals, Politics, Health and Tourism. They identified as potential undue uses situations in areas such as food, gastronomy, food industry and food advertising. As prospects for future exploration, it was necessary to invest in agronomy and sustainability; food, health and economic policies; certification and regulation of the use of the concept; culture and tourism and education and communication of the concept. Conclusions: It will be important to promote a global reflection and a standardization of language for a more effective communication of the Mediterranean Diet; promote measures aimed at minimizing the current misuse of the concept, which impedes quality communication; promote its best use so that it can be promoted and safeguarded.Keywords: Qualitative analysis; Mediterranean Diet; Future perspectives; Concept misuse; Concept use.

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