The Mediterranean diet: A historical perspective on food for health

Juan José Hidalgo-Mora; Alicia García-Vigara; María Luz Sánchez-Sánchez; Miguel-Ángel García-Pérez; Juan Tarín; Antonio Cano

doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.12.002

The Mediterranean diet: A historical perspective on food for health

Maturitas. 2020 Feb:132:65-69. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.12.002. Epub 2019 Dec 3.

Authors

Juan José Hidalgo-Mora¹, Alicia García-Vigara², María Luz Sánchez-Sánchez³, Miguel-Ángel García-Pérez⁴, Juan Tarín⁵, Antonio Cano⁶

Affiliations

¹ Service of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínico Universitario - INCLIVA, Av Blasco Ibáñez 17, 46010, Valencia, Spain. Electronic address: jhidalgo@uji.es.
² Service of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínico Universitario - INCLIVA, Av Blasco Ibáñez 17, 46010, Valencia, Spain. Electronic address: aliciagarcia@incliva.es.
³ Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, C/ Gascó Oliag 5, 46010, Valencia, Spain. Electronic address: M.Luz.Sanchez@uv.es.
⁴ Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Valencia, Burjassot, and INCLIVA, Av Blasco Ibáñez 17, 46010 Valencia, Spain. Electronic address: Miguel.garcia@uv.es.
⁵ Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain. Electronic address: Juan.J.Tarin@uv.es.
⁶ Service of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínico Universitario - INCLIVA, Av Blasco Ibáñez 17, 46010, Valencia, Spain; Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Av Blasco Ibáñez 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain. Electronic address: antonio.cano@uv.es.

PMID: 31883665
DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.12.002

Abstract

The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) represents the crystallisation of the centuries-old cooking legacies of different civilisations. The association of the MedDiet with longevity and low cardiovascular risk prompted the Seven Countries Study, which provided epidemiological evidence on the health effects of diet. This led to further studies, both epidemiological and interventional. Scales to measure adherence as well as studies of food components have consolidated a body of knowledge that is of great interest to institutions and governmental agencies. The recognition of its benefits for health has made the widespread introduction of the MedDiet an urgent challenge. Parallel efforts are being made to extend research through experimental and clinical studies. The purpose of this review is to present the historical background of the MedDiet, the main steps leading to the recognition of its health benefits, and the current strategy to facilitate its global implementation.

Keywords: Health; History; Ingredients; Mediterranean diet.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Diet, Mediterranean*
Food*
Humans
Longevity