ABSTRACT
The historical changes in improving food availability in Mediterranean populations has led to the consumption of diverse foods that reduce the chances of having low or even deficient intakes of one or more nutrients. This chapter focuses on the beneficial effects on the health of those Mediterraneans who consume what is known as the traditional diet based on plant foods, fish and other seafood, olives, cheese, and red wine, plus limited servings of animal and dairy products. The emphasis on plant foods in a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern distinguishes this diet from most Western-style diets, which are more heavily based on animal foods. The mixing of a variety of healthy food items in the same meals over time leads to a healthy diet. In most Mediterranean dietary patterns, all the essential nutrients in sufficient amounts are provided by the typical foods to support healthy lives throughout the life cycle.
