The Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean Diet
John Q. Student
College University
Abstract
This paper explores the research available on the history, nutritional guidelines, and health benefits of the Mediterranean diet (Mediet). A ranking in U.S. News (2014) has the Mediet as one of the top three best diets on a scale of short- and long-term weight loss, ease of following, nutrition, safety and performance as diabetes and heart diet. This paper examines these claims against the research available to gain a more in-depth understanding of the Mediet and its health benefits.
The Mediterranean Diet
In January of 2014, the Health & Wellness section of U.S. News & World Report, LP (U.S. News) released a ranking of the thirty-two best diets available today. “A panel of experts rated each diet on a scale of 1 to 5 on seven measures: short- and long-term weight loss, ease of following, nutrition, safety and performance as a diabetes and heart diet” (U.S. News, 2014). Listed among these diets are plenty of household brand names like South Beach, Jenny Craig, and Weight Watchers. However, there are also many relative unknowns, especially at the very top of the list. One such diet that rates very highly in nearly every metric used in this ranking system, an aggregate score which places it as the third best diet overall, is a program known as the Mediterranean Diet (Mediet).
The overview by U.S. News (2014) contends that the Mediet can lead to weight loss as well as prevent cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, and other chronic diseased based on a physically active lifestyle and adherence to a food pyramid “that emphasizes fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes, olive oil, and flavorful herbs and spices; eating fish and seafood at least a couple of times a week; enjoying poultry, eggs, cheese, and yogurt in moderation; and saving sweets and red meat for special occasions…with a splash of red wine”. This paper investigates
John Q. Student
College University
Abstract
This paper explores the research available on the history, nutritional guidelines, and health benefits of the Mediterranean diet (Mediet). A ranking in U.S. News (2014) has the Mediet as one of the top three best diets on a scale of short- and long-term weight loss, ease of following, nutrition, safety and performance as diabetes and heart diet. This paper examines these claims against the research available to gain a more in-depth understanding of the Mediet and its health benefits.
The Mediterranean Diet
In January of 2014, the Health & Wellness section of U.S. News & World Report, LP (U.S. News) released a ranking of the thirty-two best diets available today. “A panel of experts rated each diet on a scale of 1 to 5 on seven measures: short- and long-term weight loss, ease of following, nutrition, safety and performance as a diabetes and heart diet” (U.S. News, 2014). Listed among these diets are plenty of household brand names like South Beach, Jenny Craig, and Weight Watchers. However, there are also many relative unknowns, especially at the very top of the list. One such diet that rates very highly in nearly every metric used in this ranking system, an aggregate score which places it as the third best diet overall, is a program known as the Mediterranean Diet (Mediet).
The overview by U.S. News (2014) contends that the Mediet can lead to weight loss as well as prevent cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, and other chronic diseased based on a physically active lifestyle and adherence to a food pyramid “that emphasizes fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes, olive oil, and flavorful herbs and spices; eating fish and seafood at least a couple of times a week; enjoying poultry, eggs, cheese, and yogurt in moderation; and saving sweets and red meat for special occasions…with a splash of red wine”. This paper investigates
References: Bach-Faig, A., Miranda, G., Serra-Majem, L., Belahsen, R., Battino, M., Medina, F. X., et al.(2011). Mediterranean diet pyramid today: Science and cultural updates. Public Health Nutrition, 14(12A), 2274-2284. Buckland, G., Bach, A., & Serra‐Majem, L. (2008). Obesity and the Mediterranean diet: a systematic review of observational and intervention studies. Obesity reviews, 9(6), 582-593. Esposito, K., Maiorino, M. I., Ceriello, A., & Giugliano, D. (2010). Prevention And Control Of Type 2 Diabetes By Mediterranean Diet: A Systematic Review. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 89(2), 97-102. Estruch, R., Martínez, J. A., Ruiz-Gutiérrez, V., Gómez-Gracia, E., Arós, F., Corella, D., et al. (2013). Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet. New England Journal of Medicine, 368(14), 1279-1290. Keys, A. (1980). Seven countries. A multivariate analysis of death and coronary heart disease. Harvard University Press. Psaltopoulou, T., Sergentanis, T. N., Panagiotakos, D. B., Sergentanis, I. N., Kosti, R., & Scarmeas, N. (2013). Mediterranean diet, stroke, cognitive impairment, and depression: A meta-analysis. Annals of Neurology, 74(4), 580-591. Samieri, C., Grodstein, F., Rosner, B. A., Kang, J. H., Cook, N. R., Manson, J. E., et al. (2013). Mediterranean Diet and Cognitive Function in Older Age. Epidemiology, 24(4), 490-499. Sánchez, P. H., Ruano, C., Irala, J. D., Ruiz-Canela, M., Martínez-González, M. A., & Sánchez-Villegas, A. (2011). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and quality of life in the SUN Project. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 66, 360-368. Sofi, F., Cesari, F., Abbate, R., Gensini, G. F., & Casini, A. (2008). Adherence to Mediterranean diet and health status: meta-analysis. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 337. U.S. News (2014). Mediterranean Diet Overview. Retrieved April 4, 2014, from http://health.usnews.com/best-diet/mediterranean-diet Willett, W