Mediterranean Diet

Abstract

The Mediterranean diet pattern (MDP) describes the traditional Mediterranean dietary pattern of those areas of the Mediterranean basin circa 1950. The health benefits associated with the MDP are: metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, CVD and some neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. It is a shared cultural heritage that is recognized for its contribution to public health and general well-being that should be preserved among the Mediterranean populations. Moreover, the Mediterranean diet is presented as a sustainable cultural model, respectful of the environment, whose adherence in Mediterranean countries should contribute to mitigating climate change. The recognition of the Mediterranean diet as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010 gives the possibility to continue leading this process and to promote these ancient food traditions in a prism of sustainability and commitment to the environment.