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What is the Mediterranean diet?

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One of the most well-researched and scientifically proven healthy diet models, over the past twenty years, is the Mediterranean diet, which meets all of the above requirements. There are other healthy eating patterns such as the Japanese diet or the vegetarian diet, but the latter needs to be supplemented with certain micronutrients, such as vitamin B12, which is exclusively of animal origin.

The Mediterranean diet dates back to the 1950s and 1960s, based on Dr Keys' observation of the type of eating patterns followed in Crete and southern Italy. This led to the first study, "The Seven Country Study", which showed that populations who ate a high proportion of monounsaturated fats, such as those contained in olive oil, had a lower incidence of disease and a lower mortality rate from cardiovascular diseases. Since that time, many studies have been published on the Mediterranean diet.

More than a diet, a lifestyle

The Mediterranean diet is more than just healthy eating, it involves a lifestyle. Not only does the Mediterranean diet focus on consuming fresh and seasonal food, buying local produce, slow-cooking food and reviving the most traditional recipes, but it also involves sharing food, followed by table talk and a good rest. Not to mention daily physical activity and good hydration. Eating is a pleasure and is also a fundamental tool in healthcare.