The Mediterranean diet – a review of evidence relevant to the food and drink industry

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to inform readers of the cultural and scientific basis of the Mediterranean diet.Design/methodology/approachThis review was compiled using peer reviewed articles and with the support of Oldways, the non‐profit organisation responsible for designing the Mediterranean diet pyramid in association with Harvard School of Public Health. It is designed to create a resource, which could be disseminated within the food industry to stimulate debate and an understanding of the commercial opportunities for products based on the Mediterranean diet.FindingsFrom the review of information on the subject there is compelling evidence of the benefits of a Mediterranean diet having a beneficial effect on health status with a reduction in conditions such as coronary heart disease and cancers.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a literature review based on large studies of the Mediterranean diet and is not an intervention study.Practical implicationsIt is hoped that the food industry can consider the scientific and market research evidence presented and, through innovation and new brand development, offer the possibility of products, which will promote choice and access to increasingly healthy foods.Social implicationsThe compilation of evidence citing the benefits of the Mediterranean diet supports an easily adapted and flavourful diet with numerous health benefits. For the food industry it provides an original concept designed to support the research and development of new initiatives to promote healthy food products.Originality/valueThe benefits of the Mediterranean diet are shown to have significant benefits on health and are easily implemented.

Determination of pesticide residues in olive oils with protected geographical indication or designation of origin

“…510/2006, imposes criteria for labelling, production and commercialisation of olive oil (European Commission, Agriculture & rural development). Olive oil is an essential component of the so-called Mediterranean diet, whose beneficial effect to human health to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and, even, cancer has widely been reported (Fito et al, 2008;Kontou et al, 2011;Urpi-Sarda et al, 2012;Estruch et al, 2013;Poole & Blades, 2013).…”

Polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of melanoma: A Mendelian randomisation analysis

“…Identification of nutritional interventions is potentially of high importance as they can easily be integrated into primary prevention . Of particular interest is the Mediterranean diet, which includes abundant consumption of legumes, vegetables, fruits, cereals and olive oil, a moderate intake of fish and alcohol (mostly wine), a moderate to low intake of dairy products and a low intake of processed meat . A traditional Mediterranean diet is protective for all‐cause mortality and many individual diseases, including prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, Alzheimer's disease, coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus and Parkinson's disease …”

Phenolic Compounds Isolated from Olive Oil as Nutraceutical Tools for the Prevention and Management of Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases

“…Nowadays, EVOO can be promoted for its important health-promoting properties [53,54,55], mostly attributable to its content in polyphenols and well-known for their antioxidant power. In support of this, an important claim by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was released in 2011, based on several scientific investigations concerning the role of phenols in human health [56].…”