Health benefits of the Mediterranean diet

Nutrients so strongly represented in the Mediterranean diet such as antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, fibre, unsaturated fats such as oleic acid and omega 3 improve blood cholesterol and sugar control in diabetics. It also has an antithrombotic effect and prevents certain cancers such as breast, prostate and colon cancer and, in the most recent studies, has been shown to improve age-related cognitive impairment. 

In contrast, a greater consumption of red meat or processed meat has been directly associated with an increased risk of colon cancer and cardiovascular mortality. Sugary drinks are also linked to coronary heart disease, as well as an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes.