The Secrets of the Mediterranean Diet. Does [Only] Olive Oil Matter?

Abstract

Diet plays a key role in the maintenance and optimal functioning of immune cells. The Mediterranean dietary pattern is an example of a prudent choice of lifestyle and scientifically accepted to help preserve human health by protecting against major chronic and inflammatory diseases. Mediterranean diets (MedDiets) are characteristically high in the consumption of fruits, vegetables and salad, bread and whole grain cereals, potatoes, legumes/beans, nuts, and seeds. Their common central feature is the usage of olive oil as the main source of fat. The health benefits attributed to olive oil are specifically related to extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) intake with its high nutritional quality and multiple positive effects on health. Overall, MedDiets have direct (mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), tocopherols, polyphenols) and indirect (low saturated fats, well-balanced linoleic/alpha linolenic acid) effects on the immune system and inflammatory responses. In the present paper, we summarize the current knowledge on the effect of olive oil per se and MedDiets generally on immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases, such as coronary heart disease (CHD)/cardiovascular diseases (CVD), obesity, type-2 diabetes, cancer, asthma, and allergies.

Daily Use of Extra Virgin Olive Oil with High Oleocanthal Concentration Reduced Body Weight, Waist Circumference, Alanine Transaminase, Inflammatory Cytokines and Hepatic Steatosis in Subjects with the Metabolic Syndrome: A 2-Month Intervention Study

“…It is well known that the MD represents a dietary pattern characterized by the presence of different varieties of whole cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, wheat products (bread, pasta), legumes, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds, milk products (such as cheese and yogurt), blue fish and poultry consumed in moderate quantities, and a low consumption of red meat, refined sugar and animal fat. However, one of the main distinctive components of the MD is EVOO, representing the main source of dietary fat and polyphenols [ 31 , 32 ], the latter being potent inhibitors of reactive oxygen species and associated with a reduced risk for CVD and several types of cancer [ 2 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. Several studies confirmed the beneficial effects of polyphenols in olive oil on heart disease risk factors and oxidative damage [ 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ].…”

Dietary Pattern and Its Correlates among Lithuanian Young Adults: Mediterranean Diet Approach

“…The pyramid of the MD also includes physical activity at its base [32]. The evaluation of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in this study was based on the WHO definition: moderate physical activity noticeably accelerates the heart rate and includes activities equivalent in intensity to brisk walking or bicycling; vigorous physical activity causes rapid breathing and substantially increases heart rate, and it includes activities such as jogging, aerobic dancing and bicycling uphill [33].…”

Polyphenols in cancer prevention: New insights (Review)

“…In particular, approximately 30-35% of cancer cases are associated with dietary factors: There is clear evidence suggesting the role of diet in controlling and/or promoting cancer. Combining this evidence, the Mediterranean diet represents one of the most popular dietary models currently under consideration in the field of cancer prevention and treatment outcomes (6). A lower incidence of cancer has been observed in countries where eating habits involve a low intake of meat, moderate intake of dairy and alcohol, and the frequent consumption of fruit and vegetables rich in bioactive nutrients (7).…”