Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is a dietary pattern traditionally followed by countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, including Greece, southern Italy, and Spain. It emphasizes a high intake of plant-based foods, healthy fats, and moderate consumption of animal products, contributing to its recognition as one of the healthiest dietary patterns globally.

What are the Health Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean diet comes with many health benefits, including protection against cardiovascular and metabolic disorders and cognitive deficits.

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Latest Mediterranean Diet News and Research

How does olive oil affect gut health?

Could olive oil’s hidden compounds be the key to a healthier gut? New research uncovers how olive-derived bioactives transform our microbiome and may unlock future therapies for digestive and metabolic health.

9 Jul 2025

Eating habits directly influence vaginal microbiome, research finds

A cross-sectional study of young Italian women found that higher intake of animal protein and alcohol is associated with vaginal microbiota dysbiosis, while linolenic acid (a plant-based omega-3) and dietary fiber support beneficial Lactobacillus communities.

7 Jul 2025

Mediterranean diet wins on weight but misses on memory in diverse aging population

A 14-month randomized trial in older African American adults with obesity found that adopting a Mediterranean diet, with or without calorie-restricted weight loss, significantly improved diet quality and reduced body weight and visceral fat. However, no cognitive benefits were observed compared to usual diet.

2 Jul 2025

Oleic acid from olive oil reduces infection-related bone loss with age

A mouse study shows that dietary oleic acid, a key Mediterranean diet component, protects against age-related bone and microbiome damage triggered by periodontal infection. In contrast, a Western-style palmitic acid diet worsens bone loss and destabilizes the gut microbiome.

30 Jun 2025

Vegan diet lowers dietary acid load and promotes weight loss

Compared with a Mediterranean diet, dietary acid load decreased significantly on a low-fat vegan diet and was associated with weight loss, according to a randomized cross-over trial conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

27 Jun 2025

Poor diet quality weakens resilience and mental health in food insecure populations

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 13.5% of American households experienced food insecurity at some time during 2023. That means 18 million families didn't have enough to meet their needs and often didn't know where the next meal would come from.

26 Jun 2025

Omega-3 fatty acids linked to increased inflammation markers

Omega-3 fatty acids, popularly believed to reduce inflammation in the body, appear to increase certain inflammatory markers, researchers have found.

25 Jun 2025

Mediterranean diet boosts sperm health while ultra-processed foods lower fertility, study finds

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is linked to improved sperm parameters in men, while high intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with poorer semen quality. These associations are strongest in men with normal FSH levels, suggesting dietary patterns may influence male fertility.

23 Jun 2025

Can a Japanese diet help with depression? Large study says yes

A large cross-sectional study of 12,499 Japanese workers found that higher adherence to traditional or modified Japanese diets was associated with a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms. The findings suggest that culturally rooted dietary patterns may support mental well-being, especially among educated adults.

18 Jun 2025

Gut microbiome resists major changes from a nut-rich diet

The systematic review highlights that while nuts influence gut microbiota, the effects are modest and vary by nut type, warranting further investigation.

18 Jun 2025

Heart scan study reveals low-fiber diets drive dangerous heart plaques

A Swedish study links low-fiber, high-red meat diets to increased coronary artery plaque risk, highlighting the importance of dietary choices for heart health.

18 Jun 2025

Machine learning identifies key lifestyle factors for healthy brain function

A new study offers insight into the health and lifestyle indicators - including diet, physical activity and weight - that align most closely with healthy brain function across the lifespan.

16 Jun 2025

Back-to-basics, 'not fad' diets beat heart disease and diabetes

This review examines dietary interventions that can improve cardiometabolic health, highlighting the role of whole foods in reducing heart disease and diabetes.

4 Jun 2025

Plant-based portfolio diet linked to fewer heart-related deaths

The portfolio diet significantly lowers heart disease risk, with long-term benefits for cardiovascular health and all-cause mortality in diverse populations.

3 Jun 2025

MIND diet linked to lower risk of dementia across diverse populations

As the U.S. population ages and dementia cases rise, many people are asking whether it is possible to prevent this devastating disease.

3 Jun 2025

Review shows how extra virgin olive oil transforms heart health

Regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil is linked to lower cardiovascular disease risk, improving heart health through its rich polyphenol content.

2 Jun 2025

Which diet lowers blood pressure more: keto or Mediterranean?

A pilot study comparing a low-calorie, high-protein ketogenic diet and a Mediterranean diet in overweight and obese adults with elevated blood pressure found that both diets led to significant weight loss, improved body composition, and reduced blood pressure. Both dietary approaches were safe and well-tolerated, but the Mediterranean diet group showed a greater proportion of participants with healthy nocturnal blood pressure dipping.

26 May 2025

Mediterranean eating habits help European children fight genetic obesity risk

A large European cohort study found that adherence to the Mediterranean diet mitigates the impact of genetic risk for obesity in children, especially in early childhood. High consumption of vegetables and legumes was linked to lower obesity risk, regardless of genetic predisposition.

22 May 2025

Microplastics in ultra-processed foods may fuel mental health risks, experts warn

New research highlights a possible link between microplastics in ultra-processed foods and rising rates of depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. Experts call for urgent investigation as microplastic accumulation in the human brain increases alongside ultra-processed food intake.

21 May 2025

Karger Publishers releases free-access eBook "Healthy Aging"

Designed for doctors and health enthusiasts, "Healthy Aging" contains surprising scientific discoveries and practical guidance on nutrition, healthy sleep, maintaining a social network and physical fitness to contribute to longevity.

From S. Karger AG 19 May 2025