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 Mediterranean diet pyramid today. Science and cultural updates

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (12A) ◽  
pp. 2274-2284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Bach-Faig ◽  
Elliot M Berry ◽  
Denis Lairon ◽  
Joan Reguant ◽  
Antonia Trichopoulou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Graphic Representation ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
Cultural Elements ◽  
The Mediterranean

AbstractObjectiveTo present the Mediterranean diet (MD) pyramid: a lifestyle for today.DesignA new graphic representation has been conceived as a simplified main frame to be adapted to the different nutritional and socio-economic contexts of the Mediterranean region. This review gathers updated recommendations considering the lifestyle, dietary, sociocultural, environmental and health challenges that the current Mediterranean populations are facing.Setting and SubjectsMediterranean region and its populations.ResultsMany innovations have arisen since previous graphical representations of the MD. First, the concept of composition of the ‘main meals’ is introduced to reinforce the plant-based core of the dietary pattern. Second, frugality and moderation is emphasised because of the major public health challenge of obesity. Third, qualitative cultural and lifestyle elements are taken into account, such as conviviality, culinary activities, physical activity and adequate rest, along with proportion and frequency recommendations of food consumption. These innovations are made without omitting other items associated with the production, selection, processing and consumption of foods, such as seasonality, biodiversity, and traditional, local and eco-friendly products.ConclusionsAdopting a healthy lifestyle and preserving cultural elements should be considered in order to acquire all the benefits from the MD and preserve this cultural heritage. Considering the acknowledgment of the MD as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO (2010), and taking into account its contribution to health and general well-being, we hope to contribute to a much better adherence to this healthy dietary pattern and its way of life with this new graphic representation.

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.

scholarly journals Mediterranean Diet Effects on Type 2 Diabetes Prevention, Disease Progression, and Related Mechanisms. A Review

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Martín-Peláez ◽  
Montse Fito ◽  
Olga Castaner
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Diabetes Type 2 ◽  
Antioxidant Compounds ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Quality Diet ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Traditional Mediterranean Diet

The search for a quality diet has grown over the past decade. Diet is considered one of the pillars for the prevention and progression of several diseases, among them: diabetes. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is an epidemic of western countries that increases the vulnerability of other diseases, such as cardiovascular and cancer. T2D is associated with lifestyle and diet. The traditional Mediterranean diet has proven its benefits over several cardiovascular risk factors, and specifically on diabetes. This review compiles recent published evidence on the effects of the Mediterranean diet on the incidence and progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its relation with several other cardiovascular healthy diets. We will also focus on how the Mediterranean diet could play a role in T2D-related mechanisms, such as anti-inflammatory or antioxidant compounds, glucagon-like peptide agonist compounds, and changes in gut microbiota. Each component of the Mediterranean diet could be involved in processes related to diabetes homeostasis, many of them sharing common physio-pathological pathways. The importance of this diet within the set of habits of a healthy lifestyle must be emphasized.

scholarly journals Session 4: CVD, diabetes and cancer Evidence for the use of the Mediterranean diet in patients with CHD

2009 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal P. McKeown ◽  
Karen Logan ◽  
Michelle C. McKinley ◽  
Ian S. Young ◽  
Jayne V. Woodside
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Pharmacological Therapy ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
Lyon Diet Heart Study ◽  
Heart Study ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Diet is associated with the development of CHD. The incidence of CHD is lower in southern European countries than in northern European countries and it has been proposed that this difference may be a result of diet. The traditional Mediterranean diet emphasises a high intake of fruits, vegetables, bread, other forms of cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds. It includes olive oil as a major fat source and dairy products, fish and poultry are consumed in low to moderate amounts. Many observational studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced risk of CHD, and this result has been confirmed by meta-analysis, while a single randomised controlled trial, the Lyon Diet Heart study, has shown a reduction in CHD risk in subjects following the Mediterranean diet in the secondary prevention setting. However, it is uncertain whether the benefits of the Mediterranean diet are transferable to other non-Mediterranean populations and whether the effects of the Mediterranean diet will still be feasible in light of the changes in pharmacological therapy seen in patients with CHD since the Lyon Diet Heart study was conducted. Further randomised controlled trials are required and if the risk-reducing effect is confirmed then the best methods to effectively deliver this public health message worldwide need to be considered.

scholarly journals Importance of functional foods in the Mediterranean diet

2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (8A) ◽  
pp. 1136-1140 ◽  
Author(s):  
RM Ortega
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Olive Oil ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Functional Foods ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Functional Components

AbstractObjectiveAnalyse the importance of components of Mediterranean diet in functional feeding.DesignWe have based the study in a bibliographic review.ResultsMany of the characteristic components of the traditional Mediterranean diet (MD) are known to have positive effects on health, capacity and well-being, and can be used to design functional foods. Vegetables, fruits and nuts are all rich in phenols, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, phytosterols and phytic acid—essential bioactive compounds providing health benefits. The polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish effectively regulate haemostatic factors, protect against cardiac arrhythmias, cancer and hypertension, and play a vital role in the maintenance of neural functions and the prevention of certain psychiatric disorders. Accumulating evidence suggests that olive oil, an integral component of the MD, may have health benefits, including the reduction of the risk of coronary heart disease, the prevention of several types of cancer and the modification of the immune and inflammatory responses. Olive oil is known for its high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and is a good source of phytochemicals, such as polyphenolic compounds, squalene and α-tocopherol.In the context of the MD, the benefits associated with the consumption of several functional components may be intensified by certain forms of food preparation. In addition, the practice of more physical activity (once common among Mediterranean populations) and the following of other healthy lifestyle habits may have additive effects.ConclusionsThe identification of the active constituents of the MD is crucial in the formulation of appropriate dietary guidelines. Research into the pharmacological properties of the minor components of this diet (vitamins, sterols, polyphenols, etc.) is very active and could lead to the formulation of functional foods and nutraceuticals.

scholarly journals Risky Behaviours of Spanish University Students: Association with Mediterranean Diet, Sexual Attitude and Chronotype

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 4042
Author(s):  
Pedro Manuel Rodríguez-Muñoz ◽  
Juan Manuel Carmona-Torres ◽  
Cristina Rivera-Picón ◽  
Ignacio Morales-Cané ◽  
Fabio Fabbian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
University Students ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Risky Alcohol ◽  
Risky Alcohol Consumption ◽  
The Mediterranean

The most common drugs that are consumed by young people are alcohol and tobacco, which are especially prevalent in universities. These risk behaviours can be determined by a series of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the consumption of alcohol and tobacco by Spanish university students and the relationship between the Mediterranean diet, sexual attitudes and opinions, and chronotype. A multicentre observational study enrolled 457 students from two public universities in Spain. The study period was from December 2017 to January 2018. The majority of the participants consumed alcohol (90.2%), tobacco consumption was low (27.2%), with a high percentage of students (78.6%) having a low dependence on nicotine. The surveyed students demonstrated a high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, which was shown to be associated with less risky alcohol consumption. The Mediterranean diet is a part of healthy lifestyle, and avoiding heavy drinking results in the intention to maintain such a lifestyle. In addition, unhealthy eating habits (skipping breakfast, eating sweets and pastries daily, and fast-food consumption) had a tendency to induce risky alcohol consumption. Therefore, to promote healthy lifestyle habits, it is considered important to establish programs that promote healthy diets in university settings and to evaluate them periodically.

scholarly journals Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Improves Fatty Acids Profile in Pediatric Patients with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 4110
Author(s):  
Turolo Stefano ◽  
Edefonti Alberto ◽  
Morello William ◽  
Bolzan Giulia ◽  
Syren M. Louise ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Nephrotic Syndrome ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Omega 6 ◽  
The Mediterranean

The fatty acid profiles of patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) are different from that of healthy controls, even during remission, revealing an increase of the pro-inflammatory omega 6 series. It is still unknown whether the concomitance of nephrotic syndrome affects the potential positive effects of the Mediterranean diet on the levels of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. We performed a cross-sectional study to evaluate the association between the adherence to the Mediterranean diet and fatty acid profile in 54 children with INS. The dietary habits were assessed through the validated Kidmed questionnaire. Patients with higher adherence had lower levels of linoleic acid and total omega-6. Moreover, a negative correlation between proteinuria and the anti-inflammatory omega-3 series was found. In conclusion, patients with INS with proteinuria and low adherence to the Mediterranean diet have an imbalance in the omega-6/omega-3 ratio that may benefit from following the Mediterranean diet.

Comparison of the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approach Stop Hypertension in reducing the risk of 10-year fatal and non-fatal CVD events in healthy adults: the ATTICA Study (2002–2012)

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Elena Critselis ◽  
Meropi D Kontogianni ◽  
Ekavi Georgousopoulou ◽  
Christina Chrysohoou ◽  
Dimitrios Tousoulis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
International Classification Of Diseases ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
Dash Diet ◽  
Classification Of Diseases ◽  
Icd 10 ◽  
The Mediterranean

Abstract Objective: To compare the Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets in deterring 10-year CVD. Design: Prospective cohort (n 2020) with a 10-year follow-up period for the occurrence of combined (fatal or non-fatal) CVD incidence (International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10). Baseline adherence to the Mediterranean and DASH diets was assessed via a semi-quantitative FFQ according to the MedDietScore and DASH scores, respectively. Setting: Attica, Greece. Participants: Two thousand twenty individuals (mean age at baseline 45·2 (sd 14·0) years). Results: One-third of individuals in the lowest quartile of Mediterranean diet consumption, as compared with 3·1 % of those in the highest quartile, developed 10-year CVD (P < 0·0001). In contrast, individuals in the lowest and highest DASH diet quartiles exhibited similar 10-year CVD rates (n (%) of 10-year CVD in DASH diet quartiles 1 v. 4: 79 (14·7 %) v. 75 (15·3 %); P = 0·842). Following adjustment for demographic, lifestyle and clinical confounding factors, those in the highest Mediterranean diet quartile had a 4-fold reduced 10-year CVD risk (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 4·52, 95 % CI 1·76, 11·63). However, individuals with highest DASH diet quartile scores did not differ from their lowest quartile counterparts in developing such events (adjusted HR 1·05, 95 % CI 0·69, 1·60). Conclusions High adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and not to the DASH diet, was associated with a lower risk of 10-year fatal and non-fatal CVD. Therefore, public health interventions aimed at enhancing adherence to the Mediterranean diet, rather than the DASH diet, may most effectively deter long-term CVD outcomes particularly in Mediterranean populations.

scholarly journals Determinants of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study in Women from Southern Italy

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (16) ◽  
pp. 2963 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Maugeri ◽  
Martina Barchitta ◽  
Valerio Fiore ◽  
Giuliana Rosta ◽  
Giuliana Favara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
Behavioral Determinants ◽  
The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean diet (MD)—the dietary pattern usually consumed by Mediterranean populations—can help promote a favorable health status and better quality of life. Uncovering the main factors associated with the adherence to MD may be useful in understanding and counteracting the global shift toward a Western diet, which has been documented also in the Mediterranean region. Here, we evaluated the adherence to MD and its major social and behavioral determinants in women from Catania, Southern Italy. This cross-sectional study included 841 women, aged 25–64 years, with no history of severe diseases. Adherence to MD was assessed by the Food Frequency Questionnaire and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). Associations between variables were tested by multivariable logistic regression analysis and expressed as an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Among social factors, medium and high educational levels were associated with an ideal intake of alcohol (OR = 4.059; 95%CI = 1.311–12.570; p = 0.015; OR = 4.258 95%CI = 1.068–16.976; p = 0.040; respectively), living in a couple with ideal intake of cereals (OR = 2.801 95%CI = 1.188–6.602; p = 0.018), and having children with an ideal intake of fruits (OR = 3.149; 95%CI = 1.245–7.762; p = 0.015). With respect to behaviors, current smoking was negatively associated with an ideal intake of meat (OR = 0.449; 95%CI = 0.0220–0.917; p = 0.028), while more engagement in physical activity was associated with an ideal intake of vegetables (OR = 6.148; 95%CI = 1.506–25.104; p = 0.011) and legumes (OR = 5.832; 95%CI = 1.414–24.063; p = 0.015). In line with these findings, moderately or highly physically active women were more likely to show medium or high adherence to MD than those who performed less physical activity (OR = 6.024; 95%CI = 1.192–30.440; p = 0.040; OR = 9.965 95%CI = 1.683–58.993; p = 0.011; respectively). Our results confirm an urgent need for public health strategies, which should take into account determinants of diet quality. Particularly, our study indicates that more engagement in physical activity is a major positive determinant of the adherence to MD.

Comparison of the Eating and Cooking Habits of Northern Europe and the Mediterranean Countries in the Past, Present and Future

2001 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 141-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doris Rumm-Kreuter
Keyword(s):  
Northern Europe ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
Cereal Products ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Past ◽  
Strong Trend ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Mediterranean

It was already possible to demonstrate in the 50s that the Mediterranean countries have significantly less coronary heart disease than northern Europe and the USA and that this correlated closely with the diets of people in the Mediterranean region. Consequently, the traditional Mediterranean corresponds to the ideas of dietetics about a preventive diet with its high percentage of fruit, vegetables, cereal products legumes, olive oil and its slight share of animal products. However, an increase of the share of animal products can be detected in the diet of the Mediterranean populations with increasing wealth to the detriment of basic foodstuffs on a vegetable basis and their positive effects. This is reducing the preventive effect of the diet. The dietary situation is also becoming worse in northern Europe, which was already found to be unfavorable in the 60s. The reasons for this development can be found in the substantial socioeconomic changes throughout all of Europe over the past 40 years. A return or reversal to the Mediterranean way of eating would be desirable due to its positive effects. But the strong trend to convenience products and eating out is in opposition to this.

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