Mediterranean Diet and Healthy Ageing: A Sicilian Perspective

Abstract

Traditional Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is a common dietary pattern characterizing a lifestyle and culture proven to contribute to better health and quality of life in Mediterranean countries. By analyzing the diet of centenarians from the Sicani Mountains and eating habits of inhabitants of Palermo, it is reported that a close adherence to MedDiet is observed in the countryside, whereas in big towns this adherence is not so close. This has an effect on the rates of mortality at old age (and reciprocally longevity) that are lower in the countryside than in big towns. Concerning the health effects of the diet, the low content of animal protein and the low glycaemic index of the Sicilian MedDiet might directly modulate the insulin/IGF-1 and the mTOR pathways, known to be involved in ageing and longevity. In particular, the reduction of animal protein intake may significantly reduce serum IGF-1 concentrations and inhibit mTOR activity with a down-regulation of the signal that leads to the activation of FOXO3A and, consequently, to the transcription of homeostatic genes that favour longevity. The down-regulation of both IGF-1 and mTORC1 also induces an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition to the effects on sensing pathways, many single components of MedDiet are known to have positive effects on health, reducing inflammation, optimizing cholesterol and other important risk factors of age-related diseases. However, a key role is played by polyphenols represented in high amount in the Sicilian MedDiet (in particular in extra virgin olive oil) that can work as hormetins that provide an environmental chemical signature regulating stress resistance pathways such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2.

Pesticide exposure assessed through agricultural crop proximity and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

“…The Northern Italy area we investigated experiences air pollution due to motorized traffic and other sources [77], while the area of Southern Italy included is generally characterized by a lower environmental pollution and by consumption of the well-known and healthy ‘Mediterranean diet’ [78]. Our results tended to be consistent across both areas.…”

Environmental/lifestyle factors in the pathogenesis and prevention of type 2 diabetes

“…Data for Okinawa, Sicily, Sardinia, Linda Loma (California, USA) and Bama county (China) suggest some similarity to the above conclusions from epidemiological studies of a ‘healthy’ diet, i.e. a dominance of vegetables and fruit over animal food, and of whole grains over refined carbohydrates [35–38]. However, it should not be overlooked that there is a substantial contribution from other factors to healthy ageing, such as genetic background, epigenetic DNA methylation status, physical activity or daily work until high age, an active social network, and low smoking rates and alcohol consumption [39, 40].…”

Dietary transition and obesity in selected Arabic-speaking countries: a review of the current evidence

“…It is compatible with the various cultures and eating patterns within the populations of the region and is based on the availability of local foods traditionally consumed. Traditionally, the Mediterranean region has protected against overweight, obesity and their co-morbidities by its well documented and culture-specific dietary patterns (29)(30)(31). However, as developing countries shift from traditional dietary patterns to adopt Westernized diet patterns, public health professionals, nutritionists and dietitians and health educators should expect some predictable outcomes (32).…”