Mediterranean diet pyramid today. Science and cultural updates

Public Health Nutrition

Antonia Trichopoulou¹  F Xavier Medina¹  Sandro Dernini¹  Elliot M Berry¹  Gemma Miranda¹  Denis Lairon¹  Joan Reguant¹  Anna Bach-Faig¹  Lluís Serra-Majem¹  Maurizio Battino¹  Rekia Belahsen¹ 

关键词: Mediterranean diet;    Pyramid;    Adult;    Dietary pattern;    Lifestyle;    Culture;    Health;   

DOI  :  10.1017/S1368980011002515

学科分类：卫生学

来源: Cambridge University Press

【 摘 要 】

ObjectiveTo present the Mediterranean diet (MD) pyramid: a lifestyle for today.DesignA new graphic representation has been conceived as a simplified main frame to be adapted to the different nutritional and socio-economic contexts of the Mediterranean region. This review gathers updated recommendations considering the lifestyle, dietary, sociocultural, environmental and health challenges that the current Mediterranean populations are facing.Setting and SubjectsMediterranean region and its populations.ResultsMany innovations have arisen since previous graphical representations of the MD. First, the concept of composition of the ‘main meals’ is introduced to reinforce the plant-based core of the dietary pattern. Second, frugality and moderation is emphasised because of the major public health challenge of obesity. Third, qualitative cultural and lifestyle elements are taken into account, such as conviviality, culinary activities, physical activity and adequate rest, along with proportion and frequency recommendations of food consumption. These innovations are made without omitting other items associated with the production, selection, processing and consumption of foods, such as seasonality, biodiversity, and traditional, local and eco-friendly products.ConclusionsAdopting a healthy lifestyle and preserving cultural elements should be considered in order to acquire all the benefits from the MD and preserve this cultural heritage. Considering the acknowledgment of the MD as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO (2010), and taking into account its contribution to health and general well-being, we hope to contribute to a much better adherence to this healthy dietary pattern and its way of life with this new graphic representation.

【 授权许可】

Unknown