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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Mediterranean Diet

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Latest Mediterranean Diet News and Research

Healthy diet may double life expectancy benefits for frail adults

Research shows that improved diet quality significantly enhances life expectancy in frail older adults, highlighting the importance of nutrition in aging.

8 Oct 2025

Olive oil intake is linked to lower belly fat and healthier weight

Regular consumption of extra-virgin olive oil was associated with lower BMI and waist circumference in a study of more than 16,000 adults. EVOO also mediated over 60% of the Mediterranean diet’s impact on central obesity while showing an independent association with waist circumference.

30 Sep 2025

Mediterranean diet may protect gums by reducing severe periodontitis

This study reveals that the Mediterranean diet may protect against periodontitis, highlighting its benefits for oral health and inflammation reduction.

18 Sep 2025

Mediterranean diet during pregnancy cuts babies’ food allergy risk

Researchers found that mothers who closely followed a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding had infants with lower odds of developing food allergies. High fruit, vegetable, and full-fat dairy intake appeared protective, while higher poultry, red meat, and fish intake during pregnancy increased risk.

15 Sep 2025

Mediterranean diet linked to better gum health

People living in the UK and following a diet close to the Mediterranean diet are more likely to have better gum health, with potentially lower amounts of gum disease and inflammation.

15 Sep 2025

How processed red meat might drive neurodegenerative diseases

The relationship between processed red meat and neurodegenerative diseases is complex, with potential risks and protective effects requiring more investigation.

15 Sep 2025

Mediterranean-style diet benefits maternal health during pregnancy and breastfeeding

A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fiber, vegetable proteins and healthy fats, benefits maternal health during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

10 Sep 2025

Precision nutrition offers new pathways to slow biological aging

Diet doesn't just fuel the body, it sends molecular signals that can slow down or speed up biological aging, according to a new perspective in npj Aging (Nature Portfolio).

10 Sep 2025

How a Mediterranean diet helps women manage menopausal symptoms

A cross-sectional study of 149 postmenopausal women found that greater adherence to a modified Mediterranean diet was linked to lower odds of moderate to severe hot flashes and sexual symptoms. While psychological and physical domains showed no significant association, the results support further evaluation of diet as a non-hormonal strategy for menopausal care.

1 Sep 2025

Mediterranean diet lowers dementia risk by altering key metabolites

Researchers linked genetics, plasma metabolites, and Mediterranean diet adherence to dementia risk in two large US cohorts, showing APOE4 homozygotes had distinct metabolic pathways. Diet-related metabolites mediated protection, highlighting precision-prevention opportunities.

26 Aug 2025

Mediterranean diet with lifestyle changes lowers diabetes risk by 31%

A Mediterranean-style diet, in combination with reduced caloric intake, moderate physical activity, and professional support for weight loss, may cut the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) by 31%, according to a new study co-authored by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

25 Aug 2025

Can diet alone slow brain aging? Scientists say evidence is still too weak

Researchers reviewing evidence in the Annual Review of Nutrition find that healthy dietary patterns may support brain aging, but caution that scientific enthusiasm currently outpaces solid proof. Multidomain strategies combining diet with exercise, cognitive training, and vascular health show greater promise.

25 Aug 2025

Mediterranean-style diet may reduce dementia risk in individuals with high genetic risk

A new study led by investigators from Mass General Brigham, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard suggests that a Mediterranean-style diet may help reduce dementia risk.

25 Aug 2025

Can AI help you eat healthier?

Researchers developed and validated an AI-based nutrition recommendation system (AINR) that generates weekly Mediterranean meal plans tailored to individual needs and dietary restrictions. Tested on 4,000 simulated users, the system achieved high accuracy in calorie and nutrient targets but struggled with profiles involving milk and nut allergies.

21 Aug 2025

Mediterranean diet success looks different for women and men, study of 4,000 adults reveals

A Mediterranean lifestyle survey of over 4,000 adults across seven countries found that while men and women scored similarly on overall adherence, they achieved this through different patterns of diet, exercise, and well-being. Tailored strategies may be needed to support gender-specific improvements in health behaviors.

18 Aug 2025

Ultra-processed foods undermine diet quality in Mediterranean youth, study shows

A large study across five Mediterranean countries found that children and adolescents who consumed more unhealthy ultra-processed foods (UPFs) had significantly poorer diet quality. Daily UPF intake was especially linked to lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet and reduced compliance with dietary guidelines.

18 Aug 2025

Gender gaps in Mediterranean eating and living

Gender differences in Mediterranean diet adherence impact health outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to promote healthier lifestyles.

8 Aug 2025

Personalizing endometrial cancer prevention through diet and lifestyle

This review synthesizes emerging evidence on modifiable risk factors for endometrial cancer (EC)-the sixth most common female malignancy globally-with rising incidence despite diagnostic advances.

7 Aug 2025

Updated multidisciplinary European guidelines redefine MASLD diagnosis and treatment

The 2024 European clinical practice guidelines introduce a pivotal terminology shift, replacing NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) with MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) and NASH with MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis).

7 Aug 2025

Mediterranean diet delivers gut health benefits for expectant mothers

A Mediterranean diet during pregnancy significantly alters the maternal gut microbiome, increasing beneficial bacteria, while a mindfulness-based stress reduction program shows more limited effects. Neither intervention affected the vaginal microbiome, and the clinical significance of these changes requires further study.

6 Aug 2025