The Mediterranean Diet: A Healthy Dietary Plan

GA Bray, CM Champagne

Nutrition Guide for Physicians and Related Healthcare Professions, 2022•Springer

Part of the Nutrition and Health book series (NH)

Published : 03 January 2022

Abstract

The concept of a Mediterranean diet can be attributed to Ancel Keys. His insights began the study of this dietary pattern and its many variations. Components of the Mediterranean diet have been described and compared to other high-quality diets. The health benefits from the diet have been examined in four separate categories. Central adiposity was significantly less in individuals adhering to a Mediterranean diet than those with poorer adherence scores to a Mediterranean diet. Substituting different types of monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat for saturated fat, red meat, or carbohydrate significantly reduced body weight. The risk of developing diabetes and the control of the disease are both improved by using a Mediterranean diet plan. In one of the most impressive studies of the Mediterranean diet, the use of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) or nuts improved major adverse cardiovascular end points. The diet with extra virgin olive oil also reduced the incidence of atrial fibrillation and the detrimental effect of ceramides in individuals with higher baseline values. Finally, the Mediterranean diet improved the features of the metabolic syndrome. Read more