Shifting towards a Mediterranean Diet in the US: How Far Do We Have to Go, What Are the Potential Health Benefits and Can We Get There?

Abstract

Abstract:In the public dialogue surrounding the development of the 2015 dietary guidelines for Americans, public health and environmental advocates converged around a simple theme of shifting towards a more plant-forward Mediterranean-style diet. A robust body of literature documenting the health benefits of this eating pattern provides compelling reasons to change our dietary habits in ways that also benefit our environment, but we also need to have the right foods available and affordable to support this modest shift. This commentary discusses the gaps in current US dietary intakes compared to recommendations for meat and protein versus plant-based foods and the potential health benefits of shifting towards a more plant-based diet, focusing on the complex role of Mediterranean crops, such as tree nuts and olive oils, needed to support this shift.