Obesity is a serious, costly, and common disease, affecting approximately 40% of US adults (93 million individuals) who are consequently at risk for some of the leading causes of preventable, premature death, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.[1]
Several recent studies strongly suggest that adherence to a specific dietary pattern—the Mediterranean diet—can reduce, or even prevent, obesity and its consequences. They lend credence to the common expression that "you are what you eat," and by extension, you are healthy if you eat healthy.
This article provides an overview of recent studies of the Mediterranean diet in a variety of diseases and conditions.
What Is the Mediterranean Diet?
This nutritional model is based on the traditional dietary intake of the populations living in the regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. The diet is characterized by a primary intake of unrefined grains/cereals, vegetables, fresh fruit, olive oil, and legumes and nuts ; moderate intake of fish and white meat ; limited intake of dairy products, red meat, processed meats, and sweets ; and wine in moderation.[2]
The Mediterranean diet offers a beneficial fatty acid profile—low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in monounsaturated fatty acids, with a balanced omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio.
Medscape Gastroenterology © 2018 WebMD, LLC
Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Mediterranean Diet's Benefits May Extend to Multiple Diseases - Medscape - Nov 07, 2018.
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Obesity
COMMENTARY
Mediterranean Diet's Benefits May Extend to Multiple Diseases
William F. Balistreri, MD
DisclosuresNovember 07, 2018
Obesity is a serious, costly, and common disease, affecting approximately 40% of US adults (93 million individuals) who are consequently at risk for some of the leading causes of preventable, premature death, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.[1]
Several recent studies strongly suggest that adherence to a specific dietary pattern—the Mediterranean diet—can reduce, or even prevent, obesity and its consequences. They lend credence to the common expression that "you are what you eat," and by extension, you are healthy if you eat healthy.
This article provides an overview of recent studies of the Mediterranean diet in a variety of diseases and conditions.
What Is the Mediterranean Diet?
This nutritional model is based on the traditional dietary intake of the populations living in the regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. The diet is characterized by a primary intake of unrefined grains/cereals, vegetables, fresh fruit, olive oil, and legumes and nuts ; moderate intake of fish and white meat ; limited intake of dairy products, red meat, processed meats, and sweets ; and wine in moderation.[2]
The Mediterranean diet offers a beneficial fatty acid profile—low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in monounsaturated fatty acids, with a balanced omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio.
Medscape Gastroenterology © 2018 WebMD, LLC
Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Mediterranean Diet's Benefits May Extend to Multiple Diseases - Medscape - Nov 07, 2018.
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Authors and Disclosures
Authors and Disclosures
Author
William F. Balistreri, MD
Department of Hepatology & Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
Disclosure: William F. Balistreri, MD, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.