The Mediterranean diet has been linked to longevity, especially when following the lifestyle of individuals living near medical care facilities in the 1950s.
This diet focuses on a high intake of plant-based foods with limited consumption of fish, meat, and dairy products, often enjoyed in the company of others during meals. Physical activity and a vibrant social life are also key components.
American physiologist Ancel Keys first identified the Mediterranean diet in the 1950s after observing lower rates of heart disease in South Europeans compared to Americans. His research, starting with the Seven Countries Study from 1958 to 1964, explored the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and coronary heart disease across different populations.
The study revealed that men in countries like Italy and Greece had lower rates of coronary heart disease compared to Finland and the United States, with the Cretans from Greece showing the healthiest outcomes. The emphasis was on the protective effects of high unsaturated fats in these diets.
In a Spanish study known as PREDIMED (PrevenConconconDIATATERRánea) conducted in 2011, the benefits of a Mediterranean diet in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease were highlighted.
Further research suggests that this diet can aid in preventing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer due to its rich nutrient content, including antioxidants like omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and vitamins C and E. While there is debate over the inclusion of red wine in the diet, its polyphenol content may offer protective effects against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Recent trends in the Mediterranean population show a deviation from traditional diets high in saturated fats and animal proteins towards plant-based proteins, fats, whole grains, and dietary fiber. This shift, along with increased alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyles, and obesity rates, underscores the importance of returning to ancestral dietary patterns.
This article addresses the question (posed by Len Bird, “Why is the Mediterranean diet beneficial for health?”).
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