scholarly journals Mediterranean Diet

Encyclopedia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 371-387
Author(s):  
Angelos K. Sikalidis ◽  
Anita H. Kelleher ◽  
Aleksandra S. Kristo
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Rockefeller Foundation ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Intangible Cultural Heritage ◽  
Food Pattern ◽  
Lifestyle Practices ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Of Greece ◽  
Greek Island

The Mediterranean diet is a food pattern incorporated into a set of lifestyle practices typical of Greece and Southern Italy in the early 1960s, where adult life expectancy was notably high, while rates of diet-related chronic diseases were low. The Mediterranean diet was described initially by the work of LG Allbaugh, commissioned by the Rockefeller foundation and the Greek government post-WW2 on the Greek island of Crete in 1948. The Mediterranean diet was accepted as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2013. The primary advantages of the Mediterranean diet include health benefits pertinent to cardiovascular, metabolic syndrome, and cognition.

scholarly journals Family Meals, Conviviality and the Mediterranean Diet among Families with Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2499
Author(s):  
Andrea de la Torre-Moral ◽  
Sergi Fàbregues ◽  
Anna Bach-Faig ◽  
Albert Fornieles-Deu ◽  
F. Xavier Medina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Family Meals ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Family Meal ◽  
Food Pattern ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Meal Composition

Two aspects that characterize the Mediterranean diet (MD) are “what” and “how” we eat. Conviviality relates to “how” we eat and to the pleasure of sharing meals with significant people. The most studied concept is “family meals”, which includes conviviality, which involves “enjoying” family meals. Given the lack of research on convivial family meals in Mediterranean countries, the purpose of this qualitative study was to analyze the family meal representations and practices of families with 12- to 16-year-old adolescents to assess whether they responded to a pattern of conviviality, and to examine their association with MD adherence. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted and food frequency and family meal questionnaires were administered. A food pattern analysis was carried out and digital photos of meals were analyzed to examine eating habits and meal composition, respectively. The findings showed that parents believed family meals are a space for socialization and communication. Items relating to the conviviality of family meals identified in the study were meal frequency, meals at the table, lack of digital distractions, pleasant conversations, and time spent on family meals. Attention should be paid to conviviality in Mediterranean families when designing multi-approach strategies to promote healthy eating among adolescents.

The Portuguese MEDITERRANEAN DIET Wheel: development considerations

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
S.S.P. Rodrigues ◽  
B. Franchini ◽  
I. Pinho ◽  
P. Graça
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Education Professionals ◽  
Food Pattern ◽  
Health Directorate ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Diet And Lifestyle

Abstract Scientific evidence has been reporting the health and environmental benefits of the Mediterranean Diet. However, countries of the Mediterranean region, Portugal included, are gradually abandoning this traditional food pattern. The aim of the present work was to develop the Portuguese Mediterranean Diet Wheel. Three main steps were followed: 1) Establishment of the most relevant Mediterranean diet and lifestyle principles to improve this pattern among the Portuguese population; 2) Converting those principles into a captivating and easy to understand tool; 3) Obtaining experts’ opinion. By a matter of consistency, the preservation and transmission of the Mediterranean heritage was represented through an upgrade of the current Portuguese food wheel guide. This complementary tool highlights the Mediterranean Diet enlarged character that encompasses a healthy lifestyle and reinforces sociocultural and environmental features. It was launched at the end of 2016 and was nationally disseminated with the support of the Portuguese Health Directorate. Initially it was presented in a poster format image that was subsequently spread in different communication formats. This newly developed Mediterranean Food Guide is a complementary educational tool that will support health and education professionals in the never ending mission of promoting healthy food choices.

scholarly journals Science and Healthy Meals in the World: Nutritional Epigenomics and Nutrigenetics of the Mediterranean Diet

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Caradonna ◽  
Ornella Consiglio ◽  
Claudio Luparello ◽  
Carla Gentile
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cooking Methods ◽  
Intangible Cultural Heritage ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Food Components ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Scientific Topic

The Mediterranean Diet (MD), UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, has become a scientific topic of high interest due to its health benefits. The aim of this review is to pick up selected studies that report nutrigenomic or nutrigenetic data and recapitulate some of the biochemical/genomic/genetic aspects involved in the positive health effects of the MD. These include (i) the antioxidative potential of its constituents with protective effects against several diseases; (ii) the epigenetic and epigenomic effects exerted by food components, such as Indacaxanthin, Sulforaphane, and 3-Hydroxytyrosol among others, and their involvement in the modulation of miRNA expression; (iii) the existence of predisposing or protective human genotypes due to allelic diversities and the impact of the MD on disease risk. A part of the review is dedicated to the nutrigenomic effects of the main cooking methods used in the MD and also to a comparative analysis of the nutrigenomic properties of the MD and other diet regimens and non-MD-related aliments. Taking all the data into account, the traditional MD emerges as a diet with a high antioxidant and nutrigenomic modulation power, which is an example of the “Environment-Livings-Environment” relationship and an excellent patchwork of interconnected biological actions working toward human health.

Mediterranean diet adherence rates in Sicily, southern Italy

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 2001-2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Grosso ◽  
Stefano Marventano ◽  
Gabriele Giorgianni ◽  
Teodoro Raciti ◽  
Fabio Galvano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Nutrient Intakes ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
Traditional Patterns ◽  
Low Educated

AbstractObjectiveTo assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet and nutrient intakes in a population of Sicily, southern Italy and to evaluate possible determinants, particularly socio-cultural and lifestyle factors.DesignCross-sectional.SettingUrban and rural areas of eastern Sicily.SubjectsBetween May 2009 and December 2010, 3090 adults were randomly recruited through the collaboration of fourteen general practitioners. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was measured by the MedDietScore. Nutrient intakes were assessed through the 24 h recall of the previous day's dietary intake.ResultsRural participants were barely more adherent to the Mediterranean diet than their urban counterparts (mean scores were 27·8 and 27·2, respectively, P = 0·037). The MedDietScore was correlated with intakes of MUFA, fibre and vitamin C, as well as with consumption of non-refined cereals, vegetables, fruit, meat, dairy products, alcohol and nuts. Regression analysis revealed that older and more educated people were more likely to be in the highest tertile of MedDietScore (OR = 1.90; 95 % CI 1·39, 2·59 and OR = 1·29; 95 % CI 1·05, 1·58, respectively). A significant difference in quantity (moderate) and quality (red wine and beer) of alcohol was found according to adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Finally, more active participants were 1·5 times more likely to form part of the high-adherence group.ConclusionsA slow but concrete moving away from traditional patterns has been observed in younger people and low educated people. Public health interventions should focus on these target populations in order to improve the quality of their diet.

scholarly journals Perceções de utilização do conceito de Dieta Mediterrânica, potencial utilização indevida e perspetivas a explorar = Perceptions of use of the concept of Mediterranean diet, potential misuse and prospects to explore

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena Real ◽  
Pedro Graça
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Food Industry ◽  
Food Advertising ◽  
Intangible Cultural Heritage ◽  
Economic Policies ◽  
Future Perspectives ◽  
Cultural Model ◽  
The Mediterranean

Resumo: Introdução: A distinção da Dieta Mediterrânica como Património Cultural Imaterial da Humanidade pela UNESCO permitiu intensificar a investigação e comunicação deste modelo cultural, realçando o interesse em utilizá-lo em diversas áreas. Objetivos: Identificar perceções sobre a utilização do conceito de Dieta Mediterrânica, a potencial utilização indevida e elencar perspetivas a explorar. Metodologia: Foram aplicados treze questionários semiestruturados a personalidades representativas da Dieta Mediterrânica, do AlgarvePortugal. O áudio das entrevistas foi gravado, transcrito, codificado tematicamente e analisado. Resultados: Os entrevistados consideram haver utilização do conceito, nomeadamente nas áreas: Agricultura/agronomia, Ambiente, Alimentação, Convivialidade, Cultura, Economia, Farmacêutica, Política, Saúde e Turismo. Identificaram como potenciais utilizações indevidas situações em áreas como alimentação, gastronomia, indústria alimentar e publicidade a alimentos. Como perspetivas de exploração futura referiu-se ser necessário investir em agronomia e sustentabilidade; alimentação, saúde e políticas económicas; certificação e regulação do uso do conceito; cultura e turismo e educação e comunicação do conceito. Conclusões: Será importante promover uma reflexão global e uma uniformização de linguagem para uma comunicação mais eficaz da Dieta Mediterrânica; promover medidas que visem minimizar as atuais utilizações indevidas do conceito, que impedem uma comunicação de qualidade; promover a sua melhor utilização para que se possa promover e salvaguardar este conceito.Palavras-Chave: Análise qualitativa; Dieta Mediterrânica; Perspetivas futuras; Utilização indevida do conceito; Utilização do conceito.Abstract: Introduction: The distinction of the Mediterranean Diet as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO has made it possible to intensify the research and communication of this cultural model, highlighting the interest in using it in several areas. Objectives: To identify perceptions about the Mediterranean Diet concept use, potential misuse and to list prospects to explore. Methodology: Thirteen semi-structured questionnaires were applied to personalities representative of the Mediterranean Diet, from Algarve-Portugal. The interview audio was recorded, transcribed, thematically coded and analyzed. Results: Interviewees consider using the concept, especially in the areas: Agriculture/agronomy, Environment, Food, Conviviality, Culture, Economy, Pharmaceuticals, Politics, Health and Tourism. They identified as potential undue uses situations in areas such as food, gastronomy, food industry and food advertising. As prospects for future exploration, it was necessary to invest in agronomy and sustainability; food, health and economic policies; certification and regulation of the use of the concept; culture and tourism and education and communication of the concept. Conclusions: It will be important to promote a global reflection and a standardization of language for a more effective communication of the Mediterranean Diet; promote measures aimed at minimizing the current misuse of the concept, which impedes quality communication; promote its best use so that it can be promoted and safeguarded.Keywords: Qualitative analysis; Mediterranean Diet; Future perspectives; Concept misuse; Concept use.

scholarly journals MEDITERRANEAN DIET AND ADOLESCENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chrisi Mavrovounioti ◽  
Eleni Fotiadou ◽  
Eirini Koidou ◽  
Souzana Papadopoulou ◽  
Eirini Argiriadou
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Diet Patterns ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Education School ◽  
The Mediterranean

<p>The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the adoption of Mediterranean diet in adolescents with intellectual disabilities. The sample of the study consisted of 24 adolescents (8 boys and 16 girls) with intellectual disabilities who were studying at a secondary education school, with an average age of 17.63+2.018 years. For data collection, the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents (KIDMED) by Serra-Majem et al. (2004) was used. KIDMED is supported by specific principles sustaining traditional healthy Mediterranean dietary patterns. KIDMED is based on a 16-item food consumption log questionnaire that can be answered either self-administered or in interview. As for the pupils with intellectual disabilities, the answers were recorded in an individual interview. For the statistical analysis the Statistical Package for Social Sciences ver. 23.0 for windows was used. Data processing showed that over the 1/3 of adolescents with intellectual disabilities (37.5%) has a very low diet quality, while the proportion of adolescents following an optimal Mediterranean diet was zero. In addition, the diet of the adolescents with intellectual disabilities in a very large proportion (62.5%) needs improvement for the adaptation of the consumption / intake to Mediterranean patterns. The results show that adolescents with intellectual disabilities do not follow the Mediterranean diet. Therefore, priority should be given to the application and implementation of health educational programs on diet in general, and more specifically on the benefits of Mediterranean diet to adolescents with intellectual disabilities, in order to adopt the Mediterranean diet patterns aiming on the beneficial effects, both directly and long-term in their adult life.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0606/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

scholarly journals Determinants of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study in Women from Southern Italy

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (16) ◽  
pp. 2963 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Maugeri ◽  
Martina Barchitta ◽  
Valerio Fiore ◽  
Giuliana Rosta ◽  
Giuliana Favara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
Behavioral Determinants ◽  
The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean diet (MD)—the dietary pattern usually consumed by Mediterranean populations—can help promote a favorable health status and better quality of life. Uncovering the main factors associated with the adherence to MD may be useful in understanding and counteracting the global shift toward a Western diet, which has been documented also in the Mediterranean region. Here, we evaluated the adherence to MD and its major social and behavioral determinants in women from Catania, Southern Italy. This cross-sectional study included 841 women, aged 25–64 years, with no history of severe diseases. Adherence to MD was assessed by the Food Frequency Questionnaire and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). Associations between variables were tested by multivariable logistic regression analysis and expressed as an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Among social factors, medium and high educational levels were associated with an ideal intake of alcohol (OR = 4.059; 95%CI = 1.311–12.570; p = 0.015; OR = 4.258 95%CI = 1.068–16.976; p = 0.040; respectively), living in a couple with ideal intake of cereals (OR = 2.801 95%CI = 1.188–6.602; p = 0.018), and having children with an ideal intake of fruits (OR = 3.149; 95%CI = 1.245–7.762; p = 0.015). With respect to behaviors, current smoking was negatively associated with an ideal intake of meat (OR = 0.449; 95%CI = 0.0220–0.917; p = 0.028), while more engagement in physical activity was associated with an ideal intake of vegetables (OR = 6.148; 95%CI = 1.506–25.104; p = 0.011) and legumes (OR = 5.832; 95%CI = 1.414–24.063; p = 0.015). In line with these findings, moderately or highly physically active women were more likely to show medium or high adherence to MD than those who performed less physical activity (OR = 6.024; 95%CI = 1.192–30.440; p = 0.040; OR = 9.965 95%CI = 1.683–58.993; p = 0.011; respectively). Our results confirm an urgent need for public health strategies, which should take into account determinants of diet quality. Particularly, our study indicates that more engagement in physical activity is a major positive determinant of the adherence to MD.

scholarly journals Comparison and evaluation of the reliability of indexes of adherence to the Mediterranean diet

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (12A) ◽  
pp. 2338-2345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raimon Milà-Villarroel ◽  
Anna Bach-Faig ◽  
Josep Puig ◽  
Anna Puchal ◽  
Andreu Farran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
Common Factor ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Food Pattern ◽  
Acid Ratio ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The University ◽  
Adherence Index

AbstractObjectiveTo compare and evaluate the reliability of several indexes of adherence to the Mediterranean diet.DesignThe ten indexes included in the analysis were: Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), Mediterranean Score (MS), Dietary Score (DS), Mediterranean-Dietary Quality Index (Med-DQI), Mediterranean Dietary Pattern adherence index (MDP), Mediterranean Adequacy Index (MAI), Mediterranean Style Dietary Pattern Score (MSDPS), Mediterranean food pattern PREDIMED Study (MeDiet-PREDIMED), relative Mediterranean diet (rMED) and Cardioprotective Mediterranean diet index. Factor analysis using the correlations between indexes was applied. The correlation with factors and the reliability coefficient were calculated.SettingA total of 324 healthy undergraduates at the University of Barcelona, Spain, were surveyed.ResultsThe highest correlations were observed between MDP adherence index and MAI (0·82); MAI and MSDPS (0·80); and MDS and rMED (0·77). Factor analysis showed a hidden common factor that explained over 70 % of the variability (71·03 %). This factor is understood as ‘adherence to the Mediterranean diet’. The indexes that showed the highest correlation with this factor were Med-DQI (0·85), MDS (0·84), rMED (0·80) and MAI (0·80). These indexes showed acceptable performance in measuring the adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The components that correlated strongly with this factor were monounsaturated-to-saturated fatty acid ratio (MS ratio), fruit and vegetables. Furthermore, a second common factor was found explaining 18 % of the variability. This second factor is highly positive related to dairy products and lean meat, and negative related to MS ratio.ConclusionsThe indexes showed satisfactory performance in assessing adherence to the Mediterranean diet. However, in order to improve the reliability and concordance between the indexes, further studies are required to select the components, the number of components, and the scoring criteria of the indexes to improve their internal consistency.

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