Ample evidence implicating diet as the root cause of diseases exists in the scientific arena. It is always intruiging to know the diet pattern of our ancestors. Leonardo da Vinci was a 'universal genius' with universal appeal. This article describes the basic principles of the diet that he followed. "Dining discipline" and moderation in eating should be coupled with the aim of savouring smell, taste, and texture of food. Fresh, fibre rich, vegetarian food forms the bulk of the da Vinci diet. Saturated fat, salt and sugar use is minimal, but water and water-rich food intake is encouraged.
Keywords: diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, nutrition, obesity.