The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean Diet

by Victor R. Preedy, Ronald Ross Watson
Released November 2014
Publisher(s): Academic Press
ISBN: 9780124079427

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Book description

The Mediterranean Diet offers researchers and clinicians a single authoritative source which outlines many of the complex features of the Mediterranean diet: ranging from supportive evidence and epidemiological studies, to the antioxidant properties of individual components. This book embraces a holistic approach and effectively investigates the Mediterranean diet from the cell to the nutritional well-being of geographical populations. This book represents essential reading for researchers and practicing clinicians in nutrition, dietetics, endocrinology, and public health, as well as researchers, such as molecular or cellular biochemists, interested in lipids, metabolism, and obesity.

  • Presents one comprehensive, translational source for all aspects of how the Mediterranean diet plays a role in disease prevention and health
  • Experts in nutrition, diet, and endocrinology (from all areas of academic and medical research) take readers from the bench research (cellular and biochemical mechanisms of vitamins and nutrients) to new preventive and therapeutic approaches
  • Features a unique section on novel nutraceuticals and edible plants used in the Mediterranean region

Table of contents

  1. Cover image
  2. Title page
  3. Table of Contents
  4. Copyright
  5. Contributors
  6. Preface
  7. Section 1. The Mediterranean Diet: Concepts and General Aspects
    1. Chapter 1: On the Origins and Evolution of the Mediterranean Diet
      1. Abstract
      2. Acknowledgment
      3. Introduction
      4. Geographic and Evolutionary History
      5. Origins of the Mediterranean Diet and the Biblical Diet
      6. Mediterranean Lifestyle
      7. Components of the Original Mediterranean Diet
      8. The Biblical Seven Species
      9. Additional Biblical Foods
      10. Conclusion
      11. Summary Points
    2. Chapter 2: Nutritional Adequacy of the Mediterranean Diet
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. Nutritional Adequacy and Public Health
      4. Methods of Assessing Nutritional Adequacy
      5. Mediterranean Diet, Western Diet, and Nutritional Adequacy
      6. Mediterranean Diet in Children and Nutritional Adequacy
      7. Summary Points
    3. Chapter 3: Agricultural Practices in the Mediterranean: A Case Study in Southern Spain
      1. Abstract
      2. Acknowledgments
      3. Introduction
      4. Environmental and Cultural Drivers Shaping Traditional Agricultural Landscapes
      5. Recent Trends in Agricultural Practices: Intensification Versus Extensification
      6. The Extensive Iberian Pig Production in Dehesa Agro-Sylvo-Pastoral Systems
      7. The Olive Grove System
      8. The Greenhouse Vegetable Agro Industry
      9. Summary Points
    4. Chapter 4: The Mediterranean Diet as an Intangible and Sustainable Food Culture
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. MD: An Intangible Cultural Heritage
      4. MD and Health
      5. MD and Sustainable Environment
      6. The New MD Pyramid
      7. Final Considerations
      8. Summary Points
    5. Chapter 5: The Mediterranean Diet and Mortality
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. A Systematic Review Process to Uncover the Link Between Diet and Mortality
      4. Assessing Level of Adherence to the MD
      5. The Relationship Between the MD and Mortality
      6. Methodological Considerations when Investigating the Link Between the MD and Mortality
      7. Final Comments
      8. Summary Points
    6. Chapter 6: Mediterranean Diet and Quality of Life
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. Quality of Life
      4. Quality of Life Measurement
      5. Mediterranean Diet
      6. Mediterranean Diet and Quality of Life
      7. Summary Points
    7. Chapter 7: Mediterranean Diet in Children and Adolescents
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. MD Indices and Adherence Rates in Children and Adolescents
      4. MD and Nutritional Adequacy in Children and Adolescents
      5. The Relationship of the MD with Childhood Obesity
      6. Health Effects of the MD in Children and Adolescents
      7. Summary Points
    8. Chapter 8: The Influence of the Mediterranean Diet on Cognitive Health
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. Characteristics and Assessment of the Mediterranean Diet
      4. The Relationship Between Dementia, Cognitive Decline, and the Mediterranean Diet
      5. Cardiovascular Mechanisms of the Mediterranean Diet
      6. Olive Oil
      7. Dietary Effects on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
      8. Additional Benefits of Exercise
      9. Mediterranean Diet in Younger Adults
      10. Conclusions and Future Directions
      11. Summary Points
    9. Chapter 9: Mediterranean Diet and Cardiovascular Disease: An Overview of Recent Evidence
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. The Mediterranean Diet
      4. The Mediterranean Diet and CVD
      5. Potential Underlying Mechanisms
      6. Summary Points
    10. Chapter 10: Genomic Determinants of Mediterranean Diet Success
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. Nutrigenetics, Nutrigenomics, and Diet
      4. Conclusions
      5. Summary Points
    11. Chapter 11: The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) and Nutrition Knowledge
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. The Importance of Nutritional Education and THE MD
      4. Summary Points
    12. Chapter 12: Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in North Africa
      1. Abstract
      2. Acknowledgments
      3. Introduction
      4. What Is the Association Between Adherence to the MD and Socioeconomic Status?
      5. Objective
      6. Demographic and Socioeconomic Profile of the Southern Mediterranean Region
      7. Patterns of Food Consumption in NA Countries
      8. Socioeconomic Determinants of Adherence to the MD in NA
      9. Others Related Factors to Changes in Dietary Habits
      10. Conclusion
      11. Summary Points
  8. Section 2. Components of the Mediterranean Diet
    1. Chapter 13: Olive Oil
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. Olive Tree
      4. From Olive to Olive Oil
      5. Olive Oil Production and Consumption
      6. Olive Oil Variety and Composition
      7. Conclusions
      8. Summary Points
    2. Chapter 14: Moderate Red Wine Consumption in Cardiovascular Disease: Ethanol Versus Polyphenols
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. Interventional Studies
      4. Observational Studies
      5. Conclusions
      6. Summary Points
    3. Chapter 15: Beer: Beneficial Aspects and Contribution to the Mediterranean Diet
      1. Abstract
      2. Acknowledgments
      3. Mediterranean Diet
      4. Beer Consumption and Contribution to the Health Benefits of the MD
      5. Conclusions
      6. Summary Points
    4. Chapter 16: The Contribution of Fish to the Mediterranean Diet
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. Biochemical Composition of Fish
      4. The Importance of Omega 3 Fatty Acids FOR HUMAN HEALTH
      5. Fatty Acids of Commercially Important Fish Species
      6. Fat Composition of Farmed Fish
      7. Fish Contamination and Health Risks to Consumers
      8. Summary Points
    5. Chapter 17: Contribution of Nuts to the Mediterranean Diet
      1. Abstract
      2. Acknowledgments
      3. Introduction
      4. Nuts in the Mediterranean Diet
      5. Nutrient Content of Mediterranean Nuts
      6. Nut Consumption and Health Outcomes
      7. Conclusion
      8. Summary Points
    6. Chapter 18: The Mediterranean Diet and Mineral Composition
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. Mineral Intake in the MD
      4. Mineral Content in Typical Mediterranean Menus
      5. Mineral Bioavailability
      6. Conclusions
      7. Summary Points
    7. Chapter 19: Melatonin: A New Perspective on the Mediterranean Diet
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. Melatonin in the Mediterranean Diet
      4. Melatonin in Grape Products
      5. Biological Significance of Melatonin in Plant Foods
      6. Conclusions
      7. Summary Points
    8. Chapter 20: Hydroxytyrosol as a Component of the Mediterranean Diet and Its Role in Disease Prevention
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. What Is the Origin of HT?
      4. HT Through the Body: What are its Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Elimination Processes?
      5. Does HT Have Side Effects?
      6. Role of HT in Different Diseases: HT Against Them and as Protector of Life
      7. Summary Points
    9. Chapter 21: Frying: A Cultural Way of Cooking in the Mediterranean Diet
      1. Abstract
      2. Acknowledgments
      3. Introduction: Cultural and Gastronomic Importance of Frying in the Mediterranean Diet
      4. Culinary Oils: Frying Procedure
      5. Changes That Occur During Frying
      6. Advantages and Disadvantages of Frying Versus Other Cooking Procedures
      7. Advantages of Frying with Olive Oils
      8. Fried Food Consumption and Health
      9. Conclusions
      10. Summary Points
  9. Section 3. Health and Nutritional Aspects of the Mediterranean Diet
    1. Metabolism
      1. Chapter 22: The Mediterranean Diet and Obesity from a Nutrigenetic and Epigenetics Perspective
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. Dealing with Obesity: A Complex Disease
        4. Nutrigenetics: The Knowledge Transition
        5. Gene–Diet Interactions for Obesity in the Context of a Mediterranean Diet
        6. Epigenetics in the Internal Clock and the Mediterranean Diet
        7. Summary and Conclusions
        8. Summary Points
      2. Chapter 23: Mediterranean Diet: Antioxidant Nutritional Status
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. Antioxidant Defenses and Oxidative Stress
        4. Mediterranean Diet
        5. Human Antioxidant Status
        6. Human Studies
        7. Conclusion
        8. Summary Points
      3. Chapter 24: The Mediterranean Diet and Body Iron Stores
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. Overview of Iron Metabolism
        4. Dietary Sources of Iron
        5. Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and Reduced Body Iron Stores
        6. Conclusions
        7. Summary Points
      4. Chapter 25: The Ketogenic Mediterranean Diet
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. KDs: A Summary View
        4. What Is Ketosis?
        5. The Mediterranean Diet
        6. Diets Compared
        7. Conclusion
        8. Summary Points
      5. Chapter 26: Molecular Aspects of Squalene and Implications for Olive Oil and the Mediterranean Diet
        1. Abstract
        2. Mediterranean Diet
        3. Virgin Olive Oil
        4. Squalene in Virgin Olive Oil
        5. Squalene in Humans
        6. Biological Activities of Squalene
        7. Summary Points
      6. Chapter 27: Mediterranean Diet Polyphenols
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. Polyphenols in the Context of the MD
        4. Polyphenols from Olives and Olive Oil: The Mediterranean Trait
        5. OOPs and Cardiovascular Protection
        6. OOPs Exhibit Antioxidant Properties
        7. Anti-inflammatory Properties of OOPs
        8. Pleiotropic Effects of OOPs Are Mediated by the Redox-Sensitive Transcription Factor NF-κB
        9. OOPs Exhibit Nutrigenomic Effects
        10. Conclusions
        11. Summary Points
    2. Metabolic Syndrome, Obesity, and Diabetes
      1. Chapter 28: The Mediterranean Diet and Adiposity
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. Current Overweight and Obesity in Mediterranean Countries
        4. Mediterranean Diet and Adiposity: A First Set of Studies
        5. Observational Studies on Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Pattern and Adiposity
        6. Dietary Intervention Studies with the Mediterranean Diet
        7. Some Factors Involved in Adiposity Trends in the Mediterranean Area
        8. Summary Points
      2. Chapter 29: The Mediterranean Diet and Metabolic Syndrome
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. Definition of Metabolic Syndrome
        4. Pathophysiology of MetS
        5. Definition of the Mediterranean Diet
        6. Mediterranean Diet and Metabolic Syndrome
        7. Conclusions
        8. Summary Points
      3. Chapter 30: Impact of the Mediterranean Diet on Features of Metabolic Syndrome: Is Weight Loss Required?
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. Metabolic Syndrome
        4. Weight Loss
        5. MedDiet and Plasma Lipids, Blood Pressure, and Glucose Homeostasis
        6. MedDiet and Inflammation
        7. MedDiet and Endothelial Function
        8. MedDiet and Atherogenic Properties of LDL Particles
        9. MedDiet and Cholesterol Homeostasis
        10. Conclusions
        11. Summary Points
      4. Chapter 31: The Mediterranean Diet to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes and its Complications
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. The Mediterranean Diet Concept
        4. The Mediterranean Diet and T2D
        5. Conclusions and Prospects
        6. Summary Points
    3. Cardiovascular Disease
      1. Chapter 32: A Mediterranean Diet in Relation to Subclinical Vascular Conditions
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. White Matter Hyperintensity Volume
        4. Subclinical Brain Infarcts
        5. Carotid Atherosclerosis
        6. Conclusions
        7. Summary Points
      2. Chapter 33: The Mediterranean Diet Versus a Low-Fat Diet, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, and Obesity
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. Epidemiological Data Mediterranean Diet and Low Fat Diets
        4. Clinical Trials Mediterranean Diet and Low Fat Diets
        5. Conclusion
        6. Summary Points
      3. Chapter 34: Gene Expression, Atherogenesis, and the Mediterranean Diet
        1. Abstract
        2. Ackonwledgments
        3. Atherogenesis
        4. Effect of the Mediterranean Diet on Atherosclerosis
        5. Summary and Future Perspectives
        6. Summary Points
      4. Chapter 35: Mediterranean Diet and the Postprandial State: A Focus on Lipemia, Glycemia, and Thrombosis
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. Postprandial State
        4. MD and the Postprandial State
        5. Long-Term Consumption of MD and the Postprandial State
        6. Summary Points
    4. Cancer
      1. Chapter 36: The Mediterranean Diet in Cancer Prevention
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. Selection and Summary Presentation of Studies
        4. Protective Mechanisms of the Mediterranean Diet in Relation to Cancer Risk
        5. Summary Points
      2. Chapter 37: The Mediterranean Diet and Breast Cancer Risk
        1. Abstract (for ScienceDirect)
        2. Introduction
        3. The Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and Breast Cancer Risk: Epidemiological Evidence
        4. Components of the Mediterranean Diet and Breast Cancer Risk: Epidemiological Evidence
        5. The Protective Effect of the Mediterranean Diet: Mechanistic Evidence
        6. Investigating the Mediterranean Diet: Concepts, Challenges, and Benefits
        7. Conclusions
        8. Summary Points
      3. Chapter 38: The Mediterranean Diet and Gastric Cancer
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction: Gastric Cancer
        3. Dietary Intake of Foods That Are Components of the Mediterranean Diet and Gastric Cancer Risk
        4. High Adhesion to the Mediterranean Diet Score and the Risk of Certain Cancers
        5. High Adhesion to the Mediterranean Diet Score and the Risk of Gastric Cancer
        6. Summary Points
    5. Brain and Behavior
      1. Chapter 39: The Mediterranean Diet and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea/Hypopnoea Syndrome
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. Overview of Studies Investigating the Role of the Mediterranean Diet in OSAHS
        4. Discussion
        5. Future Directions
        6. Conclusion
        7. Summary Points
      2. Chapter 40: Molecular Aspects of the Mediterranean Diet: Adiponectin, Brain Amyloid Precursor Protein, Apolipoprotein E and Caspase-3 mRNA
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. Mediterranean Diet and Brain Amyloid Precursor Protein
        4. Mediterranean Diet and ApoE
        5. Mediterranean Diet and Brain Caspase-3
        6. Summary Points
    6. Immunology
      1. Chapter 41: Reducing Proinflammatory States with the Mediterranean Diet: Possible Mechanism for Cancer Prevention
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. Proinflammatory States and Cancer
        4. Markers of Proinflammatory States
        5. Anti-inflammatory Effects of a Mediterranean Diet and its Components
        6. Summary Points
      2. Chapter 42: The Mediterranean Diet and Arthritis
        1. Abstract
        2. Acknowledgment
        3. Introduction
        4. The Inflammatory Process and Comorbidities in Arthritis
        5. The Role of Diet in the Pathogenesis of Arthritis
        6. Characteristics of the Traditional Mediterranean Dietary Lifestyle
        7. Effects of Nutritive and Non-nutritive Components of the MD in the Modulation of Inflammation
        8. Immunomodulatory Effect of Mediterranean Dietary Components
        9. Clinical Trials on the Mediterranean Diet Interventions in Arthritis Patients
        10. Clinical Trial on Mediterranean Diet Components Supplementation in Arthritis
        11. Conclusion
        12. Summary Points
      3. Chapter 43: Mediterranean Diet and Nutrition for the Primary Prevention of Allergy and Asthma
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. Basic Allergy Concepts
        4. Common Type I Allergies
        5. Risk Factors for the Development of Allergic Disorders
        6. Geographical Variation and Relationships Between Diet and Allergy
        7. Potential Mechanisms of Action of the Mediterranean Diet on Allergy Prevention
        8. Allergy Prevention Through Diet
        9. Conclusions
        10. Summary Points
    7. Life Stages, Organs and Applications
      1. Chapter 44: Mediterranean Diet and Pregnancy
        1. Abstract
        2. Acknowledgments
        3. Introduction
        4. Nutrition During Gestation
        5. General Nutrition Remarks During Pregnancy
        6. Mediterranean Dietary Pattern
        7. Mediterranean Diet, a Dietary Way for Decreasing Malnutrition or Subnutrition During Gestation?
        8. Mediterranean Diet and Gestational Diabetes and Gestational Glucose Intolerance
        9. Maternal Mediterranean Diet and Fetal/Neonatal Insulin Sensitivity
        10. Pregnancy, Lipoproteins, and Other Coronary Heart Disease Risk
        11. Maternal Mediterranean Diet and Neonatal Lipoprotein Profile
        12. Future Remarks
        13. Summary Points
        14. Conflicts of Interest
      2. Chapter 45: Olive Oil and the Senescent Bone
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. Physiology of Aging Bone
        4. When Diet Interacts with Bone Formation
        5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Bone Health
        6. Olive Oil and Cellular Senescence
        7. Conclusions and Future Perspectives
        8. Summary Points
      3. Chapter 46: Mediterranean Diet and Fitness
        1. Abstract
        2. The Mediterranean Diet as a Healthy Eating Paradigm
        3. Exercise and Cardiovascular Health
        4. MD and Exercise
        5. Summary Points
      4. Chapter 47: The Mediterranean Diet Adequacy Index in Sports Participants
        1. Abstract
        2. Performance in Aerobic Sports
        3. Adherence to MD
        4. Case Evaluation of Adherence to the MD of Spanish Young Cyclists
        5. Specific Nutritional Requirements of Sport Participants
        6. Summary Points
      5. Chapter 48: The Association Between Diet and Acne: The Specific Protective Value Derived from the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern Adherence
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. The Main Findings in the Research Field on the Association Between Acne and Westernized Diet
        4. Comprehensive Dietary Pattern
        5. The Specific Protective Role of Mediterranean Diet on Acne Disease
        6. Summary Points
    8. Adverse Aspects
      1. Chapter 49: Heavy Metals in Fish from the Mediterranean Sea: Potential Impact on Diet
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. Arsenic
        4. Cadmium
        5. Mercury
        6. Lead
        7. Health Risk Assessment of Fish Dietary Intake
        8. Summary Points
      2. Chapter 50: Risks Related to the Presence of Fungal Species and Mycotoxins in Grapes, Wines and Other Derived Products in the Mediterranean Area
        1. Abstract
        2. Introduction
        3. Mycotoxigenic Fungal Species in Grapes in the Mediterranean Area
        4. Mycotoxins in Grapes and Grape-Derived Products in the Mediterranean Area
        5. Control Measures to Reduce GBA Occurrence and OTA Contamination in Grapes, Wines, and Grape-Derived Products
        6. Conclusions
        7. Summary Points
    9. Methods for Interventions With or Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet
      1. Chapter 51: Dietary Patterns in a Circumpolar Context: A Cultural Approach to the Interpretation of Three Studies on Mediterranean, Traditional Sami, and Low-Carbohydrate Dietary Pattern Scores in Northernmost Sweden
        1. Abstract
        2. Acknowledgments
        3. Introduction
        4. Culturally Defined Dietary Patterns
        5. A Climate and Food Culture Far from Greece
        6. Nutritional Transitions in History and Modern Times
        7. The Västerbotten Population of Today
        8. The Healthy Indigenous Subpopulation
        9. Dietary Score Methodology
        10. Results from Three Dietary Score Models
        11. Is the Circumpolar Area Moving South?
        12. Summary Points
      2. Chapter 52: Information, Culture and Socioeconomics as Determinants of Adherence to Mediterranean Diet
        1. Abstract
        2. Diet is Not Equal for All
        3. The Poorer You are the Worse You Behave (and Eat)
        4. The Global Economic Crisis: A Global Dietary Threat
        5. A Role for Knowledge
        6. The Media and the Mediterranean Diet
        7. Summary Points
  10. Section 4. Novel Nutraceuticals and Edible Plants Used in the Mediterranean Region
    1. Chapter 53: Genetic Diversity of Plants Used for Food in the Mediterranean
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. Centers of Origin
      4. Genetic Diversity in Mediterranean Crops and Wild Relatives
      5. The Domestication Process
      6. Crops Originated by Allopolyploidy: Wheat and Oilseed Rape
      7. Gene Flow from Wild to Cultivated Plants
      8. Trends in Diversity Across Cultivated Plants and the Importance of Relatives
      9. Summary Points
    2. Chapter 54: Apoptotic Activities of Mediterranean Plant Species
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. Anti-inflammatory and Chemopreventive Properties of Mediterranean Plants and Their Role in Apoptosis
      4. Conclusions
      5. Summary Points
    3. Chapter 55: Mediterranean Hawthorn Fruit (Crataegus) Species and Potential Usage
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. Mediterranean Hawthorn Fruit (Crataegus) Species
      4. Traditional Use
      5. Antioxidant Properties of Hawthorn
      6. Pharmacological Characteristics of Hawthorn
      7. Summary Points
    4. Chapter 56: Mediterranean Figs (Ficus carica L.) Functional Food Properties
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. Functional Food Characteristics of Figs
      4. Summary Points
    5. Chapter 57: Potential of Cupressus sempervirens (Mediterranean Cypress) in Health
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. Phytochemistry of Cupressus sempervirens
      4. Use of Cupressus sempervirens in Folk Medicine
      5. Biological Activities of Cupressus sempervirens
      6. Antimicrobial and Antiviral Activity
      7. Conclusion
      8. Summary Points
    6. Chapter 58: Essential Oils from Mediterranean Aromatic Plants
      1. Abstract
      2. Introduction
      3. Aromatic Plants in the Mediterranean Diet
      4. Antimicrobial Activity
      5. Cytotoxic Activity
      6. Antioxidant Activity
      7. Other Activities
      8. Use of Essential Oils in Agriculture
      9. Summary Points
  11. Index

Product information

  • Title: The Mediterranean Diet
  • Author(s): Victor R. Preedy, Ronald Ross Watson
  • Release date: November 2014
  • Publisher(s): Academic Press
  • ISBN: 9780124079427