Mediterranean dietary pattern - advantages

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Comprehensive review of the Mediterranean diet

The term "Mediterranean diet" was introduced into medical literature in 1952 by American physician A. Keys, who described it as the nutritional model of the majority of the population in the Mediterranean region. During his studies, Keys observed that this population rarely suffered from anemia-related heart diseases. This was surprising, considering that in America, where Keys came from, the cases of this disease were rapidly increasing. He thus concluded that there must be a link between diet, high cholesterol levels in the blood, and heart diseases. Keys continued his research and identified the following basic principles of the Mediterranean diet: - high consumption of vegetables, which should be included in every meal, - low consumption of meat and dairy products, - infrequent consumption of cakes and sweets.

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Principles of the Mediterranean diet

Despite the nutritional habits of the inhabitants of the different countries of the Mediterranean basin being diverse, there are several similarities. The exemplary Mediterranean diet, which is health-promoting, is the eating habits of the population of Crete in the 1960s. The lowest mortality rate due to heart disease, diet-related diseases or cancer was observed there. The main features of this dietary model include: - a high proportion of olive oil and a low proportion of animal fats, - an abundance of vegetables and fruits in daily meals, - a high proportion of cereal products, - a high intake of legume seeds, - moderate consumption of dairy products, - a not too high intake of fish and seafood, - a small proportion of meat and its processed products. Processed products and sweets appear very rarely on the menu. People from this region also have a high level of physical activity and a rich social life. This diet is easy to digest, but also characterized by a low calorie intake. Preferred methods of thermal processing include boiling, steaming, grilling or baking in foil. Although this way of eating is characterized by a relatively high intake of carbohydrates, it is also accompanied by a fat intake, which is compensated by the intake of lean poultry and fish, making the meals generally well-balanced. It is also rich in dietary fiber.

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The Mediterranean diet - a treasure trove of valuable components

There is no doubt that the Mediterranean diet is a rich source of valuable components, which are directly related to the substantial amounts of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and nuts that make up its foundation. Several specific components can be highlighted that are characteristic of this dietary pattern and whose beneficial effects on the body have been repeatedly demonstrated.

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Unsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid

The Mediterranean diet is particularly esteemed for its high consumption of olive oil. This fat is often linked with positive impacts on health, particularly the circulatory system. The oil contains a large quantity of unsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, which is most abundant in it. This acid supports the healthy function of the heart. According to information from the US Food and Drug Administration, the regular intake of oleic acid assists in reducing the risk of developing coronary heart disease. Moreover, this acid may have an effect on lowering LDL levels, which is associated with a rise in the risk of atherosclerosis.

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Lycopene

Lycopene is a pigment belonging to the group of carotenoids responsible for the red color of many vegetables, including tomatoes. This food constituent is frequently found in the Mediterranean diet. Tomato sauce and tomatoes themselves are primary components in this dietary style. The amount of lycopene increases after heat treatment, hence its greater presence in diluted dishes, soups, and juices than in raw vegetables. It absorbs significantly better in the presence of fats, which are common in the Mediterranean diet. Lycopene has a high antioxidant potential, meaning it prevents harmful oxidation processes in the body that can lead to cancer development. Additionally, it supports the immune system, acts as an anti-inflammatory, and increases intercellular communication (K. Terlikowska et al. 2013).

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Resveratrol and its salts and esters

This is a plant-derived antioxidant that occurs in large quantities in grapes and products derived from them, such as wine. Both of these products are frequent components of the Mediterranean diet. Resveratrol is a polyphenol that has antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, anticarcinogenic effects and also reduces platelet aggregation, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Scientific research has shown that it can even influence the development of cancer processes (A. Kopeć et al., 2011).

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Impact of Mediterranean diet on health

Since Dr. A. Keys published his observations on the improvement of the health of the inhabitants of the Mediterranean region in 1952, the Mediterranean diet has attracted the attention of the scientific community. Over the years, numerous studies have been conducted that confirmed its positive impact on health.

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The Blood Circulatory System

The Mediterranean diet is distinguished by its cardioprotective attributes, as primarily demonstrated by the Seven Countries Study and its meticulous analysis. Over the course of 25 years of investigation, researchers determined that individuals whose dietary patterns most closely mirrored the traditional Mediterranean diet had a lower mortality rate due to heart diseases. Furthermore, it was noted that populations adhering to this dietary regimen experienced a significantly lower frequency of blood circulatory system ailments.

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The mortality rate

In 2005, a study was conducted by A. Trichopoulou and team on a group of 75000 women and men from various European states, which demonstrated that the dietary pattern most similar to the Mediterranean diet influences lower overall mortality rates. An increase in compliance by 4 points in a specially designed questionnaire was linked to a 12% reduction in mortality. The main criterion for assessing the diet was the relatively higher intake of unsaturated fats compared to saturated fats (characteristic of the typical Mediterranean diet).

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Body weight

There exists a publication that indicates the favorable influence of the Mediterranean diet on obesity prevention (H. Schroeder et al., 2004). In a large-scale study conducted among Hispanics, the aim was to determine the impact of a diet resembling the Mediterranean diet on body weight. Participants were provided with a questionnaire to fill out, based on which points were awarded. The higher the number of points achieved, the closer the diet was to the Mediterranean pattern. It was found that an increase of 5 points was linked to a decrease in the body mass index (BMI) of 0.43 in men and 0.68 in women. This study demonstrates an inverse correlation between adhering to nutritional principles similar to those of the Mediterranean diet and the occurrence of obesity.

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Ailments linked to aging of the nervous system

In 2008, a review of 12 studies on the health implications of the Mediterranean diet was published in the British Medical Journal. The authors highlighted that adopting such a dietary pattern could decrease the likelihood of developing Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease by up to 13% compared to the common Western diet (F. Sofi et al., 2008).

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Allergic responses

According to a 2008 study, the implementation of the Mediterranean diet by pregnant women may also contribute to the reduction of asthma and allergies in children later in life. In these children, the risk of allergic responses decreased by up to 45%. The studies were conducted on a group of nearly 500 pregnant women and lasted for 6 years. It was also demonstrated that the greatest influence on the occurrence of allergies is the increased consumption of red meat in the diet (L. Chatzi et al. 2008).

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Malignant neoplasms

The Mediterranean diet, due to its high content of antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids, may be perceived as a factor in lowering the probability of malignant neoplasms. Research indicates that the dietary pattern characteristic of Greece in the 1960s, marked by a high consumption of vegetables, fruits, nuts, cereals, and olive oil, has chemopreventive properties. Adherence to this dietary pattern may bring benefits in the form of reduced risk for breast cancer, colon cancer, endometrial cancer, and prostate cancer (C. Bosetti et al., 2009).

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Mediterranean dietary scheme - one of the top nutritional selections

The Mediterranean dietary scheme primarily emphasizes plant-based, regional, and traditional products, thereby boasting a high content of vitamins, minerals, and health-boosting substances. This attribute results in a significant impact on the entire body, making it an excellent option for preventing diet-related ailments, particularly cardiovascular diseases. Despite the association with exotic products, the widespread availability of goods from every corner of the globe on store shelves ensures no issue in adhering to this dietary model. This pattern is safe for both adults and children.