Traditional Mediterranean Diet as a Holistic Diet: A Review of Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and Lifestyle Through Pyramids

Abstract : Today, Mediterranean Diet (MD) is a globally recognized dietary pattern and public health model. In this review, traditional Mediterranean Diet (MD) is revisited: multiple aspects and facets of the diet including its history, cultural roots, food categories, lifestyle, religious traditions, physical activity and health benefits are presented through pyramids. Mindful eating of mainly plant-based and whole foods, seasonal and locally-sourced, along with the enjoyment in every step of production, preparation and consumption of the food, are the main characteristics of the traditional MD, which is presented for the first time as a 5F-diet based on 5F-pillars. MD is also described as a holistic diet – it is a diet that nourishes the body, the mind, and the soul through balanced and sustainable approach to food choices. The food choices and lifestyle practices provide holistic health not only for the whole body, but also yield healthy communities – the people are part of the community, have “sense of belonging”, and their interactions are in harmony with the environment, respecting the planetary resources and boundaries. The diet’s health benefits, including reduced risks of non-communicable diseases (NCD), such as cardio-vascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and cancers, prevention from neuro-cognitive disorders, and increased longevity, are a result not only of the food consumed, but also the presence of commensality and conviviality, and the lifestyle leading to daily stress relief. Overall, MD is a concept that embraces biodiversity, sustainability, quality, palatability, health, cultural aspects and heritage.