Impact of Mediterranean Diet on Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases and Longevity

Abstract

The average life expectancy of the world population has increased remarkably in the past 150 years and it is still increasing. A long life is a dream of humans since the beginning of time but also a dream is to live it in good physical and mental condition. Nutrition research has focused on recent decades more on food combination patterns than on individual foods/nutrients due to the possible synergistic/antagonistic effects of the components in a dietary model. Various dietary patterns have been associated with health benefits, but the largest body of evidence in the literature is attributable to the traditional dietary habits and lifestyle followed by populations from the Mediterranean region. After the Seven Countries Study, many prospective observational studies and trials in diverse populations reinforced the beneficial effects associated with a higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet in reference to the prevention/management of age-associated non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, depression, respiratory diseases, and fragility fractures. In addition, the Mediterranean diet is ecologically sustainable. Therefore, this immaterial world heritage constitutes a healthy way of eating and living respecting the environment.

Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Other Lifestyle Factors in the Prevention of Cognitive Decline and Dementia

“…This dietary pattern that has been traditionally followed for centuries by populations from the Mediterranean countries has been intensely studied in prospective observational studies and trials conducted in Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean countries with different health outcomes. This extensive evidence supports its beneficial action on the prevention of several non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cognitive decline and dementia [24][25][26].…”

“…The MedDiet, DASH, and MIND diets are primarily plant-based and include vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, whole grains, legumes, healthy fats, fish, and poultry that are rich in these nutrients. In addition, the MedDiet, DASH, and MIND diets recommend minimizing the consumption of red meat, sweets, processed foods, and sugar-sweetened beverages that are often associated with Western dietary patterns and with negative health outcomes [23,26,63]. Indeed, the Western dietary pattern has been associated with an increased risk of AD, although the underlying mechanisms are not yet completely clear [64].…”

Comparative Study Regarding the Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and the Eating Habits of Two Groups—The Romanian Children and Adolescents Living in Nord-West of Romania and Their Romanian Counterparts Living in Italy

“…The link between the antioxidant effect of polyphenols and the decrease in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, as well as the positive effect on mental and reproductive health is well known. Due to the high production of short chain fatty acids (butyrate species), induced by MD, the subjects who follow the diet seem to have a lower incidence and risk of progression for several intestinal diseases, some types of cancer as well as the reduction of the cardio-metabolic pathologies [21,23,24]. Most of the studies evaluating adherence to MD among children have been carried out in Greece or Spain.…”

“…The MD is characterized by a high amount of polyphenols, dietary fiber, and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. This complex mixture of nutrients plays an important role both in the prevention of NCDs and in providing a favorable gut microbiota profile ( Figure 5 ) [ 21 , 22 ]. The link between the antioxidant effect of polyphenols and the decrease in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, as well as the positive effect on mental and reproductive health is well known.…”

Nutrigenomic Effect of Hydroxytyrosol in Vascular Endothelial Cells: A Transcriptomic Profile Analysis

“…The Mediterranean diet is recognized as a cornerstone of chronic disease prevention. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet style reduces the risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and even premature death overall [1][2][3]. Extra virgin olive oil is a key 2 of 24 symbol of the Mediterranean diet.…”