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Mediterranean Diet

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is a plant-based eating pattern emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats Fats The glyceryl esters of a fatty acid, or of a mixture of fatty acids. They are generally odorless, colorless, and tasteless if pure, but they may be flavored according to origin. Fats are insoluble in water, soluble in most organic solvents. They occur in animal and vegetable tissue and are generally obtained by boiling or by extraction under pressure. They are important in the diet (dietary fats) as a source of energy. Energy Homeostasis, particularly olive oil. It supports heart health, reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome Metabolic syndrome Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that significantly increases the risk for several secondary diseases, notably cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver. In general, it is agreed that hypertension, insulin resistance/hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia, along with central obesity, are components of the metabolic syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome, type 2 diabetes Diabetes Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and dysfunction of the regulation of glucose metabolism by insulin. Type 1 DM is diagnosed mostly in children and young adults as the result of autoimmune destruction of β cells in the pancreas and the resulting lack of insulin. Type 2 DM has a significant association with obesity and is characterized by insulin resistance. Diabetes Mellitus, and neurodegenerative diseases. The diet's benefits include improved lipid profiles, anti-inflammatory effects, and better gut health. Clinically, it is recommended for cardiovascular disease prevention, weight management, and overall longevity.

Last updated: Oct 10, 2025

Editorial responsibility: Stanley Oiseth, Lindsay Jones, Evelin Maza

Contents

Overview

Definition and Purpose

  • Definition: The Mediterranean diet is a dietary pattern modeled on the traditional eating habits of people from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Greece, Italy, and Spain. It is not a prescriptive diet but rather a flexible eating style that emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods (plant-based foods).
  • Primary Purpose: The diet is recognized as an evidence-based nutritional strategy for the primary and secondary prevention of chronic diseases. Its main purpose is to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome Metabolic syndrome Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that significantly increases the risk for several secondary diseases, notably cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver. In general, it is agreed that hypertension, insulin resistance/hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia, along with central obesity, are components of the metabolic syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome, type 2 diabetes Diabetes Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and dysfunction of the regulation of glucose metabolism by insulin. Type 1 DM is diagnosed mostly in children and young adults as the result of autoimmune destruction of β cells in the pancreas and the resulting lack of insulin. Type 2 DM has a significant association with obesity and is characterized by insulin resistance. Diabetes Mellitus, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative conditions.

Clinical Indications

  • Cardiovascular Disease: The Mediterranean diet is strongly indicated for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Clinical trials have demonstrated a significant reduction in major cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction Myocardial infarction MI is ischemia and death of an area of myocardial tissue due to insufficient blood flow and oxygenation, usually from thrombus formation on a ruptured atherosclerotic plaque in the epicardial arteries. Clinical presentation is most commonly with chest pain, but women and patients with diabetes may have atypical symptoms. Myocardial Infarction and stroke.
  • Metabolic Syndrome Metabolic syndrome Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that significantly increases the risk for several secondary diseases, notably cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver. In general, it is agreed that hypertension, insulin resistance/hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia, along with central obesity, are components of the metabolic syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes Diabetes Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and dysfunction of the regulation of glucose metabolism by insulin. Type 1 DM is diagnosed mostly in children and young adults as the result of autoimmune destruction of β cells in the pancreas and the resulting lack of insulin. Type 2 DM has a significant association with obesity and is characterized by insulin resistance. Diabetes Mellitus: The diet is recommended for patients Patients Individuals participating in the health care system for the purpose of receiving therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive procedures. Clinician–Patient Relationship with or at risk for metabolic syndrome Metabolic syndrome Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that significantly increases the risk for several secondary diseases, notably cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver. In general, it is agreed that hypertension, insulin resistance/hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia, along with central obesity, are components of the metabolic syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome and type 2 diabetes Diabetes Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and dysfunction of the regulation of glucose metabolism by insulin. Type 1 DM is diagnosed mostly in children and young adults as the result of autoimmune destruction of β cells in the pancreas and the resulting lack of insulin. Type 2 DM has a significant association with obesity and is characterized by insulin resistance. Diabetes Mellitus. It has been shown to improve glycemic control, decrease waist circumference Waist circumference Measure of abdominal obesity and is associated with increased cardiovascular risks. Obesity, lower HbA1c HbA1c Products of non-enzymatic reactions between glucose and hemoglobin a, occurring as a minor fraction of the hemoglobin components of human erythrocytes. Hemoglobin a1c is hemoglobin a with glucose covalently bound to the terminal valine of the beta chain. Glycated hemoglobin a is used as an index of the average blood sugar level over a lifetime of erythrocytes. Diabetes Mellitus levels, and reduce the incidence Incidence The number of new cases of a given disease during a given period in a specified population. It also is used for the rate at which new events occur in a defined population. It is differentiated from prevalence, which refers to all cases in the population at a given time. Measures of Disease Frequency of new-onset type 2 diabetes Diabetes Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and dysfunction of the regulation of glucose metabolism by insulin. Type 1 DM is diagnosed mostly in children and young adults as the result of autoimmune destruction of β cells in the pancreas and the resulting lack of insulin. Type 2 DM has a significant association with obesity and is characterized by insulin resistance. Diabetes Mellitus.
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases: Higher adherence to the diet is associated with protective effects against Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline due to the diet’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Cancer Risk Reduction: Epidemiological studies epidemiological studies Epidemiological studies are used to establish associations between risk factors and health-related outcomes. These studies can take the form of observational or interventional studies. Epidemiological Studies suggest the diet’s high content of polyphenols, unsaturated fats Fats The glyceryl esters of a fatty acid, or of a mixture of fatty acids. They are generally odorless, colorless, and tasteless if pure, but they may be flavored according to origin. Fats are insoluble in water, soluble in most organic solvents. They occur in animal and vegetable tissue and are generally obtained by boiling or by extraction under pressure. They are important in the diet (dietary fats) as a source of energy. Energy Homeostasis, and fiber is associated with a lower risk of overall cancer incidence Incidence The number of new cases of a given disease during a given period in a specified population. It also is used for the rate at which new events occur in a defined population. It is differentiated from prevalence, which refers to all cases in the population at a given time. Measures of Disease Frequency and mortality Mortality All deaths reported in a given population. Measures of Health Status, particularly for colorectal, breast, and prostate Prostate The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. The gland surrounds the bladder neck and a portion of the urethra. The prostate is an exocrine gland that produces a weakly acidic secretion, which accounts for roughly 20% of the seminal fluid. cancer.
  • Inflammatory Conditions: The anti-inflammatory properties of the diet may improve outcomes in conditions such as arthritis Arthritis Acute or chronic inflammation of joints. Osteoarthritis. The gut microbiota is also favorably modulated which may contribute to protective effects in metabolic and inflammatory diseases.

Mechanism of Action

  • The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet are attributed to the synergistic effects of its nutrient profile, which is rich in bioactive compounds. The primary mechanisms include:
    • Lipid Profile Lipid profile Lipid Disorders Improvement: The diet is low in saturated fats Fats The glyceryl esters of a fatty acid, or of a mixture of fatty acids. They are generally odorless, colorless, and tasteless if pure, but they may be flavored according to origin. Fats are insoluble in water, soluble in most organic solvents. They occur in animal and vegetable tissue and are generally obtained by boiling or by extraction under pressure. They are important in the diet (dietary fats) as a source of energy. Energy Homeostasis and high in monounsaturated fats Fats The glyceryl esters of a fatty acid, or of a mixture of fatty acids. They are generally odorless, colorless, and tasteless if pure, but they may be flavored according to origin. Fats are insoluble in water, soluble in most organic solvents. They occur in animal and vegetable tissue and are generally obtained by boiling or by extraction under pressure. They are important in the diet (dietary fats) as a source of energy. Energy Homeostasis (from olive oil) and polyunsaturated fats Fats The glyceryl esters of a fatty acid, or of a mixture of fatty acids. They are generally odorless, colorless, and tasteless if pure, but they may be flavored according to origin. Fats are insoluble in water, soluble in most organic solvents. They occur in animal and vegetable tissue and are generally obtained by boiling or by extraction under pressure. They are important in the diet (dietary fats) as a source of energy. Energy Homeostasis (including omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids A group of unsaturated fatty acids occurring mainly in fish oils, with three double bonds at particular positions in the hydrocarbon chain. Lipid Control Drugs from fish FISH A type of in situ hybridization in which target sequences are stained with fluorescent dye so their location and size can be determined using fluorescence microscopy. This staining is sufficiently distinct that the hybridization signal can be seen both in metaphase spreads and in interphase nuclei. Chromosome Testing and nuts). This composition helps lower LDL cholesterol Cholesterol The principal sterol of all higher animals, distributed in body tissues, especially the brain and spinal cord, and in animal fats and oils. Cholesterol Metabolism and triglycerides Triglycerides Fatty Acids and Lipids while raising HDL cholesterol Cholesterol The principal sterol of all higher animals, distributed in body tissues, especially the brain and spinal cord, and in animal fats and oils. Cholesterol Metabolism.
    • Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects: High intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and extra virgin olive oil provides abundant fiber, polyphenols, and other antioxidants Antioxidants Naturally occurring or synthetic substances that inhibit or retard oxidation reactions. They counteract the damaging effects of oxidation in animal tissues. Cell Injury and Death. These compounds combat oxidative stress Oxidative stress A disturbance in the prooxidant-antioxidant balance in favor of the former, leading to potential damage. Indicators of oxidative stress include damaged DNA bases, protein oxidation products, and lipid peroxidation products. Cell Injury and Death and systemic inflammation Systemic Inflammation Surgical Site Infections, which are key drivers in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis is a common form of arterial disease in which lipid deposition forms a plaque in the blood vessel walls. Atherosclerosis is an incurable disease, for which there are clearly defined risk factors that often can be reduced through a change in lifestyle and behavior of the patient. Atherosclerosis and other chronic diseases.
    • Improved Endothelial Function: The diet’s components increase nitric oxide Nitric Oxide A free radical gas produced endogenously by a variety of mammalian cells, synthesized from arginine by nitric oxide synthase. Nitric oxide is one of the endothelium-dependent relaxing factors released by the vascular endothelium and mediates vasodilation. It also inhibits platelet aggregation, induces disaggregation of aggregated platelets, and inhibits platelet adhesion to the vascular endothelium. Nitric oxide activates cytosolic guanylate cyclase and thus elevates intracellular levels of cyclic gmp. Pulmonary Hypertension Drugs bioavailability Bioavailability Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, reduce endothelial adhesion Adhesion The process whereby platelets adhere to something other than platelets, e.g., collagen; basement membrane; microfibrils; or other ‘foreign’ surfaces. Coagulation Studies molecules, and improve vascular reactivity, which is crucial for blood pressure regulation and preventing plaque Plaque Primary Skin Lesions buildup.
    • Modulation of Gut Microbiota: The high-fiber content promotes a healthy gut microbiome Microbiome Commensal organisms living in and on the body Innate Immunity: Barriers, Complement, and Cytokines, which is increasingly linked to metabolic health and reduced inflammation Inflammation Inflammation is a complex set of responses to infection and injury involving leukocytes as the principal cellular mediators in the body’s defense against pathogenic organisms. Inflammation is also seen as a response to tissue injury in the process of wound healing. The 5 cardinal signs of inflammation are pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. Inflammation.

Components of the Intervention

Key Principles

  • The diet is predominantly plant-based, with a high intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
  • Extra virgin olive oil is the principal source of dietary fat, replacing butter, margarine, and other oils.
  • Fish FISH A type of in situ hybridization in which target sequences are stained with fluorescent dye so their location and size can be determined using fluorescence microscopy. This staining is sufficiently distinct that the hybridization signal can be seen both in metaphase spreads and in interphase nuclei. Chromosome Testing and seafood are the preferred animal protein sources, consumed multiple times per week.
  • Poultry, eggs, and dairy (mainly cheese and yogurt) are consumed in moderate amounts.
  • Red meat and processed meats are limited to infrequent consumption.
  • Sweets, sugary drinks, and highly processed foods are rarely consumed.
  • Moderate consumption of red wine, typically with meals, is a traditional component, but this is not a universal recommendation and should be considered based on the individual patient’s health status.

Recommended Food Groups and Servings

  • The following table provides a baseline for patient counseling, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Portion sizes should be individualized to meet patient-specific energy and nutrient needs.
Table: Dietary Guidelines
Food Group Daily/Weekly Servings Examples for Patient Education
Vegetables 3+ servings per day Leafy greens, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, onions, garlic
Fruits 3 servings per day Berries, apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, melons
Whole Grains 3–6 servings per day Oats, brown rice, whole-wheat bread, barley, quinoa
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Main source of added fat Use in cooking and as a dressing; aim for up to 4 tbsp/day
Legumes 3+ servings per week Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans
Nuts and Seeds 3+ servings per week Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
Fish FISH A type of in situ hybridization in which target sequences are stained with fluorescent dye so their location and size can be determined using fluorescence microscopy. This staining is sufficiently distinct that the hybridization signal can be seen both in metaphase spreads and in interphase nuclei. Chromosome Testing and Seafood 3+ servings per week Salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel
Poultry and Eggs Poultry: 1-3/week; Eggs: up to 4/week Skinless chicken or turkey; eggs prepared without butter
Dairy Daily to weekly (moderate) Low-fat yogurt (especially Greek) and natural cheeses
Red and Processed Meats 1 serving or less per week Lean LEAN Quality Measurement and Improvement cuts of beef, lamb, or pork; avoid sausages, bacon
Sweets 2 servings or less per week Limit Limit A value (e.g., pressure or time) that should not be exceeded and which is specified by the operator to protect the lung Invasive Mechanical Ventilation pastries, sugary desserts; choose fruit instead

Implementation and Monitoring

Practical Guidance for Implementation

  • Successful adoption relies on gradual, sustainable changes. Clinicians should frame the diet as a long-term pattern rather than a short-term restriction.
  • Counseling Points for Patients Patients Individuals participating in the health care system for the purpose of receiving therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive procedures. Clinician–Patient Relationship:
    • Swap Fats Fats The glyceryl esters of a fatty acid, or of a mixture of fatty acids. They are generally odorless, colorless, and tasteless if pure, but they may be flavored according to origin. Fats are insoluble in water, soluble in most organic solvents. They occur in animal and vegetable tissue and are generally obtained by boiling or by extraction under pressure. They are important in the diet (dietary fats) as a source of energy. Energy Homeostasis: Advise patients Patients Individuals participating in the health care system for the purpose of receiving therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive procedures. Clinician–Patient Relationship to replace butter and margarine with extra virgin olive oil for cooking and dressings.
    • Increase Plant Foods: Encourage adding vegetables to every meal, snacking on fruit, and incorporating at least one vegetarian (legume-based) meal per week.
    • Rethink Protein: Recommend replacing red meat with fish FISH A type of in situ hybridization in which target sequences are stained with fluorescent dye so their location and size can be determined using fluorescence microscopy. This staining is sufficiently distinct that the hybridization signal can be seen both in metaphase spreads and in interphase nuclei. Chromosome Testing or poultry. Suggest having fish FISH A type of in situ hybridization in which target sequences are stained with fluorescent dye so their location and size can be determined using fluorescence microscopy. This staining is sufficiently distinct that the hybridization signal can be seen both in metaphase spreads and in interphase nuclei. Chromosome Testing at least twice a week.
    • Choose Whole Grains: Guide patients Patients Individuals participating in the health care system for the purpose of receiving therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive procedures. Clinician–Patient Relationship to select whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and oats instead of refined white-flour products.
    • Snack Smart: Suggest a handful of unsalted nuts, a piece of fruit, or raw vegetables with hummus as healthy snack options.
    • Flavor with Herbs: Encourage the use of herbs and spices instead of salt to season food.

Monitoring Efficacy and Adherence

  • Clinical Markers: Efficacy is monitored by assessing improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, lipid panels (LDL, HDL, triglycerides Triglycerides Fatty Acids and Lipids), and glycemic control (fasting glucose Glucose A primary source of energy for living organisms. It is naturally occurring and is found in fruits and other parts of plants in its free state. It is used therapeutically in fluid and nutrient replacement. Lactose Intolerance, HbA1c HbA1c Products of non-enzymatic reactions between glucose and hemoglobin a, occurring as a minor fraction of the hemoglobin components of human erythrocytes. Hemoglobin a1c is hemoglobin a with glucose covalently bound to the terminal valine of the beta chain. Glycated hemoglobin a is used as an index of the average blood sugar level over a lifetime of erythrocytes. Diabetes Mellitus).
  • Adherence Assessment: Adherence can be evaluated using dietary recalls or food frequency questionnaires. Tools like the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) can also be used in a clinical setting.

Clinical Considerations

Additional Health Benefits

  • Mental Health: The diet has been shown to improve mental health and reduce the risk of depression.
  • Healthy Aging: Adherence is associated with a lower risk of frailty and increased longevity in older adults.
  • Sleep Sleep A readily reversible suspension of sensorimotor interaction with the environment, usually associated with recumbency and immobility. Physiology of Sleep Quality Quality Activities and programs intended to assure or improve the quality of care in either a defined medical setting or a program. The concept includes the assessment or evaluation of the quality of care; identification of problems or shortcomings in the delivery of care; designing activities to overcome these deficiencies; and follow-up monitoring to ensure effectiveness of corrective steps. Quality Measurement and Improvement: Research Research Critical and exhaustive investigation or experimentation, having for its aim the discovery of new facts and their correct interpretation, the revision of accepted conclusions, theories, or laws in the light of newly discovered facts, or the practical application of such new or revised conclusions, theories, or laws. Conflict of Interest has linked the Mediterranean diet to better overall sleep Sleep A readily reversible suspension of sensorimotor interaction with the environment, usually associated with recumbency and immobility. Physiology of Sleep quality Quality Activities and programs intended to assure or improve the quality of care in either a defined medical setting or a program. The concept includes the assessment or evaluation of the quality of care; identification of problems or shortcomings in the delivery of care; designing activities to overcome these deficiencies; and follow-up monitoring to ensure effectiveness of corrective steps. Quality Measurement and Improvement.

Potential Challenges or Side Effects

  • Weight Gain: While associated with healthy weight management, the diet is not inherently low in calories. The high content of healthy fats Fats The glyceryl esters of a fatty acid, or of a mixture of fatty acids. They are generally odorless, colorless, and tasteless if pure, but they may be flavored according to origin. Fats are insoluble in water, soluble in most organic solvents. They occur in animal and vegetable tissue and are generally obtained by boiling or by extraction under pressure. They are important in the diet (dietary fats) as a source of energy. Energy Homeostasis in olive oil and nuts can contribute to weight gain if portion sizes are not managed appropriately.
  • Nutrient Considerations: A significant reduction in dairy and red meat could potentially lead to lower intakes of calcium Calcium A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. Electrolytes and iron Iron A metallic element with atomic symbol fe, atomic number 26, and atomic weight 55. 85. It is an essential constituent of hemoglobins; cytochromes; and iron-binding proteins. It plays a role in cellular redox reactions and in the transport of oxygen. Trace Elements, but can be mitigated with use of fortified foods. Clinicians should assess the need for iron-rich plant sources (e.g., legumes) and consider calcium Calcium A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. Electrolytes supplementation if indicated.
  • Cost and Accessibility: The emphasis on fresh fish FISH A type of in situ hybridization in which target sequences are stained with fluorescent dye so their location and size can be determined using fluorescence microscopy. This staining is sufficiently distinct that the hybridization signal can be seen both in metaphase spreads and in interphase nuclei. Chromosome Testing, produce, and extra virgin olive oil may present a financial barrier for some patients Patients Individuals participating in the health care system for the purpose of receiving therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive procedures. Clinician–Patient Relationship.
  • Gastrointestinal Adjustment: Patients Patients Individuals participating in the health care system for the purpose of receiving therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive procedures. Clinician–Patient Relationship unaccustomed to a high-fiber diet may experience transient gas or bloating Bloating Constipation. A gradual increase in fiber intake is recommended to mitigate this.

References

  1. Davis, C., et al. (2024). Mediterranean diet: Foods to eat, health benefits and how to get started. UC Davis Health. https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/good-food/mediterranean-diet-foods-to-eat-health-benefits-and-how-to-get-started/2024/10
  2. Guasch-Ferré, M., & Willett, W. C. (2021). The Mediterranean diet and health: a comprehensive overview. Journal of Internal Medicine, 290(3), 579–599. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/joim.13333
  3. Fekete, M., et al. (2025). The role of the Mediterranean diet in reducing the risk of cognitive impairement, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease: a meta-analysis. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387945596_The_role_of_the_Mediterranean_diet_in_reducing_the_risk_of_cognitive_impairement_dementia_and_Alzheimer’s_disease_a_meta-analysis
  4. Godos, J., et al. (2023). The Mediterranean Diet and Its Benefits on Health and Well-Being of Children: A Review. Nutrients, 13(1), 87. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/nutrients/special_issues/Q57Y187GS3
  5. Laundouzen, M., et al. (2024). Long-term impact of mediterranean diet on cardiovascular disease prevention: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Current Problems in Cardiology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38431146/
  6. Sofi, F., Martini, D., Angelino, D., Cairella, G., Campanozzi, A., Danesi, F., Dinu, M., Erba, D., Iacoviello, L., Pellegrini, N., Rossi, L., Vaccaro, S., Tagliabue, A., & Strazzullo, P. (2025). Mediterranean diet: Why a new pyramid? An updated representation of the traditional Mediterranean diet by the Italian Society of Human Nutrition (SINU). Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD, 35(8), 103919. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.numecd.2025.103919
  7. Siervo, M., Shannon, O. M., Llewellyn, D. J., Stephan, B. C., & Fontana, L. (2021). Mediterranean diet and cognitive function: From methodology to mechanisms of action. Free radical biology & medicine, 176, 105–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.09.018
  8. Finicelli, M., Di Salle, A., Galderisi, U., & Peluso, G. (2022). The Mediterranean Diet: An Update of the Clinical Trials. Nutrients, 14(14), 2956. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14142956
  9. Yannakoulia, M., & Scarmeas, N. (2024). Diets. The New England Journal of Medicine, 390(22), 2098–2106. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra2211889
  10. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2020). Mediterranean Diet. https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/veteran-handouts/docs/MedDiet-508Final-9-4-2018.pdf
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