When was the Mediterranean diet started? A deep dive into its history

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

The modern Mediterranean diet became widely known in 1975, thanks to the influential work of American biologist Ancel Keys and his wife, chemist Margaret Keys. Yet, its roots trace back millennia, founded upon the traditional eating patterns of cultures living near the Mediterranean Sea.

Quick Summary

The Mediterranean diet originated in the ancient eating habits of the Mediterranean Basin but was scientifically established and popularized by Ancel Keys and the Seven Countries Study in the mid-20th century, highlighting its health benefits.

Key Points

Origins in Antiquity: The Mediterranean diet's food patterns originated millennia ago, influenced by ancient Greek and Roman agricultural practices.
Ancel Keys' Discovery: The diet was scientifically recognized and popularized by American researcher Ancel Keys in the mid-20th century.
The Seven Countries Study: Keys' landmark 1958 study linked the traditional diets of countries like Greece and Italy to lower rates of heart disease.
Popularization in the 1970s: The concept gained widespread recognition with the 1975 publication of Keys' book, How to Eat Well and Stay Well the Mediterranean Way.
Modern Validation: Major health organizations and extensive research continue to validate the diet's benefits for heart health, longevity, and overall well-being.
UNESCO Recognition: In 2010, UNESCO designated the Mediterranean diet as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, acknowledging its cultural significance.

From Ancient Roots to Modern Recognition

While the concept of the Mediterranean diet was formalized in the mid-20th century, the eating patterns it is based on have existed for millennia. The diet is rooted in the foodways of ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans, who centered their meals around staples like olives, grapes, wheat, and fish. The region's climate and geography, which are ideal for cultivating olive trees and vineyards but less so for large-scale animal agriculture, naturally led to a plant-based diet.

The Role of Ancient Civilizations

The traditional eating patterns that form the basis of the Mediterranean diet have evolved over centuries, influenced by various cultures and historical periods. These include:

Ancient Greeks and Romans: Emphasized staples like olives, grains, and fish.
Arab Influence: Introduced ingredients like spices and dried pasta in the 9th century.
Post-Renaissance: Incorporated new foods such as tomatoes and potatoes from the Americas.

The Seven Countries Study and Ancel Keys

The scientific recognition of the Mediterranean diet largely stems from the work of American physiologist Ancel Keys in the mid-20th century. Keys observed lower rates of heart disease in Southern Italy and Greece compared to the United States, which led him to initiate the Seven Countries Study in 1958. This study examined the diet and health of populations across seven countries, ultimately demonstrating a link between the Mediterranean eating pattern and reduced risk of coronary heart disease. The study's findings were published starting in 1970 and further disseminated through books by Ancel and Margaret Keys, such as How to Eat Well and Stay Well the Mediterranean Way in 1975.

The Mediterranean Diet vs. The Traditional American Diet

Comparing the traditional Mediterranean diet to a typical Western diet highlights their key differences and the potential health advantages of the Mediterranean pattern.


Feature	Traditional Mediterranean Diet	Typical American Diet (Mid-20th Century)	Modern Scientific Basis
Primary Fat Source	Extra Virgin Olive Oil, nuts, seeds	Saturated Fats from butter, fatty meat	MUFAs and PUFAs improve cholesterol profile.
Protein Source	Mostly fish, legumes, moderate poultry, low red meat	Higher consumption of red meat and processed meats	Lower intake of saturated fat; increased omega-3s from fish.
Plant Foods	Abundant fruits, vegetables, whole grains	Lower consumption, often processed or refined	Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Dairy	Moderate consumption of yogurt and cheese	Higher intake of milk, butter, and ice cream	Moderation prevents excess saturated fat intake.
Sweets	Fresh fruit for dessert; limited sweets	Frequent consumption of sugar-laden foods	Reduces inflammation and blood sugar spikes.
Lifestyle Factors	Emphasizes physical activity and communal meals	Often sedentary, meals can be rushed and solitary	Promotes overall well-being beyond nutrition.

The Mediterranean Diet Today

Following Keys' work, the Mediterranean diet has gained global recognition and is recommended by major health organizations. Its cultural significance was highlighted in 2010 when UNESCO designated it as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity". While modern diets in the region have changed, the core principles of the Mediterranean diet remain influential and are adapted worldwide.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean diet is a historical eating pattern with ancient origins, brought to modern prominence by researchers like Ancel Keys in the mid-20th century. Its enduring popularity and scientific validation underscore the health benefits of traditional, plant-focused diets. The Mediterranean diet serves as a model for a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Mediterranean diet was not 'invented' by a single person but is an ancient eating pattern. American biologist Ancel Keys is credited with formally defining and popularizing the diet in the mid-20th century after his research connected it to improved health outcomes.

The Seven Countries Study, launched in 1958 by Ancel Keys, was a landmark epidemiological study comparing diet, lifestyle, and cardiovascular disease rates in seven different countries. It provided the scientific basis for linking the Mediterranean diet to lower rates of heart disease.

The diet evolved over millennia, influenced by ancient practices using staple crops like olives and wheat. Later, additions came from Arab cultures (dried pasta, spices) and the Americas (tomatoes, peppers).

No, the Mediterranean diet is not a modern fad. It is based on centuries-old food traditions and has been extensively researched and proven to be a healthy, sustainable eating pattern for decades.

The diet's health benefits come from its high content of plant-based foods, healthy fats like olive oil, and low intake of red meat and sugar. This combination provides fiber, antioxidants, and a healthy balance of fats, contributing to reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Extra virgin olive oil is considered the central and main source of fat in the traditional Mediterranean diet. Its high content of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants provides significant health benefits.

Yes, Ancel Keys adopted the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle after his research and lived to be 100 years old, serving as a testament to the diet's potential for longevity.