Wound healing properties of the Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean Diet has proven itself effective in acute and chronic wound healing. A Mediterranean diet includes whole grains, vegetables, fruits, fish, olive oil, red wine, and legumes. Foods studied within this diet contain high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. The diversity of foods and numerous nutritional benefits maximizes wound healing with a variety of protective substances. The Mediterranean Diet has high concentrations of polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamins, and flavonoids. Additionally, foods found within the Mediterranean diet are high in protein, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C, which specifically aid in wound healing and the body’s defenses against infection. A low sodium Mediterranean Diet has also been found to strengthen the activation of macrophages to increase the tissue inflammation process and promote wound healing. The consumption of olive oil has been found to lower the incidence of dermatological diseases. Specifically, olive oil also plays an important role in increased platelet function thus having a direct effect on wound healing and decreased inflammation. Our review addresses how a Mediterranean Diet aids with acute and chronic wound healing. The impact of nutrition on wound healing from a Mediterranean Diet allows for development of a nutritional approach to minimize incidence of acute or chronic, non-healing wounds via dietary changes.