Mediterranean Diet Research Analysis

Q: How do studies measure adherence to the Mediterranean diet?

Studies measure adherence to the Mediterranean diet using various scales, and the Mediterranean Diet Scale (MDScale) is the oldest and most established. These scales assess the intake of beneficial and detrimental dietary components and assign scores that reflect the level of adherence, and they show strong correlations with one another.

Q: What is the MIND diet?

The MIND diet, which is a combination of the DASH and Mediterranean diets, aims to prevent cognitive decline and promote brain health by emphasizing foods that are rich in vitamins, carotenoids, and flavonoids and excluding harmful foods. Although higher adherence to the MIND diet has been associated with lower rates of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline, a long-term study found no significant improvements in cognitive function or brain structure compared to a standard calorie-restricted diet.

Q: Is alcohol allowed on the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet does not explicitly recommend alcohol, but moderate consumption of red wine with meals is recognized as part of the dietary pattern, which potentially offers health benefits. However, individuals should consider their personal risk factors and beliefs because the diet can still promote health without the inclusion of alcohol.

Brady Holmer

Mediterranean Diet

•Last Updated: August 15, 2024

The Mediterranean diet refers to a dietary pattern originating from Greece, Southern Italy, and other countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea; it has been extensively studied for cardiovascular disease prevention. It’s a plant-based diet that’s low in saturated fat, with key food components such as olive oil, leafy green vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, legumes, fish, poultry, low-fat dairy, and a moderate intake of red wine.

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Brady Holmer, BS, PhD(c)

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Meredith Yetter

Nick Milazzo, MSc, MPH

Last Updated:August 15, 2024

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What is the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet, which was developed by Ancel Keys in the 1960s, emphasizes a dietary pattern that is rich in extra virgin olive oil, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and legumes and contains moderate intakes of fish, lean meats, dairy, and red wine and minimal amounts of saturated fats, sweets, and red meat. It is recognized as a plant-based diet that provides high levels of nutrients such as polyphenols, fiber, and healthy fats.

How do studies measure adherence to the Mediterranean diet?

What is the MIND diet?

What are the Mediterranean diet’s main benefits?

The Mediterranean diet primarily benefits cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure, improving endothelial function, and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, morbidity, and mortality. Additionally, it supports glycemic control, reduces cancer incidence, mitigates cognitive decline, and may enhance overall longevity; benefits have been observed in both Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean populations.

Is alcohol allowed on the Mediterranean diet?

What are the Mediterranean diet’s main drawbacks?

The main drawbacks of the Mediterranean diet include its inconsistent definition and the misconceptions surrounding it, such as the belief that it is purely vegetarian or includes certain high-calorie foods like American-style pizza. Additionally, the traditional patterns of alcohol consumption and the inclusion of nontraditional foods further complicate its application in non-Mediterranean countries.

How does the Mediterranean diet work?

The Mediterranean diet works by combining various foods and nutrients that interact synergistically to promote health, particularly via bioactive compounds like polyphenols and antioxidants that are found in staples such as olive oil, fruits, and vegetables. These components help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular outcomes, and the diet's emphasis on healthy fats and lifestyle practices further contributes to its health benefits.

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