Health Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet
Bernard Benedetto, MD - Bariatric Surgeon
In the 1950s, researchers found that the adult life expectancy for people living in the Mediterranean regions (Crete, part of Greece, Southern Italy, and other countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea) were among the highest in the world. They also found that rates of coronary artery disease (CAD), certain cancers, and some other diet-related chronic diseases in this region were among the lowest in the world.
The health of the Mediterranean people did not appear to be due to existing medical services, which were limited at that time. What researchers found is that the Mediterranean people had something in common that might be contributing to their good health—their dietary patterns. These dietary patterns share characteristics that are associated with low rates of chronic diseases and long life expectancies in many studies conducted throughout the world.
What Is the Mediterranean Diet?
There is no one typical Mediterranean diet. Many countries border the Mediterranean Sea and variations in the Mediterranean diet exist between these countries. According to the American Heart Association, though, traditional Mediterranean diets have the following characteristics in common:
- An abundance of plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, breads/cereals, potatoes, and beans/nuts/seeds.
- Olive oil used as a common monounsaturated fat source
- Low-to-moderate amounts of fish and poultry
- Small amounts of red meat
- Low-to-moderate amounts of dairy products (mostly cheese and yogurt)
- Low-to-moderate amounts of eggs (0-4 times per week)
- Low-to-moderate amounts of wine (1-2 glasses per day), normally consumed with meals
Comparison With the American Diet
The American diet is characterized by:
- Animal products daily, as main source of protein
- White starches, predominantly
- Moderate to low in fruits and vegetables
- High in saturated and trans fats
Unlike the typical American diet, the traditional Mediterranean diet is high in fiber and low in saturated fat. The Mediterranean diet, however, is not necessarily low in total fat. The difference is that the types of fats it incorporates are "healthy" monounsaturated fats, like those found in olive oil, which do not raise cholesterol levels.
Mediterranean Diet Pyramid
The traditional Mediterranean diet is illustrated in a Mediterranean diet pyramid developed by researchers at Harvard University and Oldways, a nonprofit education organization that promotes alternatives to unhealthy eating styles in industrialized countries.
The pyramid is arranged in the following way:
- Along the base are reminders for to be physically active and to eat meals with friends and family.
- The next layer is food that should be eaten daily. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, beans, nuts, legumes and seeds, and herbs and spices.
- The layer above that features fish and seafood. Eat these more often, at least two times per week.
- The second layer from the top includes poultry and eggs. Eat these every two days or once per week. Cheese and yogurt is also in this layer, which should be eaten daily to weekly.
- The final layer has meats and sweets, which should be eaten less often.
- Alongside the pyramid, water and wine are featured. Stay hydrated throughout the day with water, and drink wine in moderation (2 drinks per day for men, and 1 drink per day for women).
Health Benefits
There has been a lot of research on the potential health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. According to studies, this diet may offer these benefits:
- Reduce the rate of death in people who have had a heart attack.
- Reduce the rate of heart attack in people who have heart disease.
- Reduce the rate of stroke.
- Aid in weight loss.
- Lower the risk of developing cancer.
- Lower HbA1c levels (a measurement of how well the body uses blood sugar) in people with diabetes.
- Reduce pain in rheumatoid arthritis.
- Lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome—a condition marked by elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, and body weight. Excess weight centered around the midsection is of particular concern.
- Decreased cognitive impairment.
It is important to remember, though, that other factors can affect these benefits. For example, people who follow the Mediterranean diet may have a lower risk of cancer because of other lifestyle factors or their environment.
Tips for Mediterranean Eating
How can you eat more authentically Mediterranean? Here are some tips from the Oldways website:
- Include an abundance of food from plant sources such as fruits, vegetables, potatoes, whole grains, seeds, and nuts.
- Choose a variety of minimally processed foods, preferably those that are seasonally and locally grown.
- Use olive oil as the principal fat in your diet, replacing other fats and oils.
- Eat low-to-moderate daily amounts of cheese and yogurt (preferably low-fat and non-fat versions).
- Eat fish and poultry at least twice per week.
- Have fresh fruit as your typical daily dessert.
- Eat red meat only a few times per month. When eating red meat, choose lean cuts and smaller portions. Avoid sausage, bacon, and other meats that are high in fat.
Lifestyle Changes
Research suggests that the Mediterranean diet is a healthful and pleasing alternative to the American diet. Will the diet alone significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and increase your longevity? Researchers believe that the lower incidence of heart disease and death in Mediterranean countries may be due, in part, to a combination of healthy diet along with being more physically activity and having extended social support systems.
Source: Mediterranean Diet Pyramid