The Mediterranean Diet and Mortality

Abstract Mediterranean populations are traditionally characterized by their long life spans, believed to be due to their healthy Mediterranean dietary (MD) pattern. This chapter reviews 21 epidemiological studies (19 cohort and 2 experimental) researching the effect of adherence to an MD on overall and cause-specific mortality. Despite methodological differences between studies, there was consistent evidence that high adherence to the MD was related to an ~ 20% reduction in mortality, especially cardiovascular disease and possibly cancer mortality. Research also shows that these health benefits of the MD are transferable to non-Mediterranean populations. The MD score was consistently a better indicator of survival than its individual components; however, moderate alcohol and high fruit, vegetable, and olive oil intake had a predominant effect. There are many nutritional attributes of the MD and related biological mechanisms that can explain the benefits of the MD on mortality.