Why is it called a Mediterranean diet? A look into its origin

January 6, 2026 •

2 min read

First documented by American researcher Ancel Keys in the mid-20th century, the term Mediterranean diet was coined to describe the traditional eating patterns he observed in Southern Europe. This was based on the strikingly low rates of heart disease among populations in countries like Italy and Greece.

Quick Summary

The 'Mediterranean diet' is named for the traditional, plant-rich eating patterns observed by researchers in Southern European countries like Greece and Italy during the mid-20th century.

Key Points

Ancel Keys: The term was coined by American researcher Ancel Keys following his 1950s observations in Southern Europe.
Seven Countries Study: Keys' research on heart disease in seven nations first identified the healthful diet pattern and popularized the name.
Geographic Origin: The diet is named after the regions around the Mediterranean Sea, particularly Greece and Southern Italy, where the patterns were studied.
Lifestyle, Not Just Food: The name reflects the Greek word diaita, meaning 'way of living', encompassing physical activity and social customs beyond just food.
Dietary Pattern: It represents a collective dietary pattern with regional variations, not a single, rigid cuisine found in all countries.
Scientific Validation: Early research linked this eating style to lower rates of cardiovascular disease, bringing it to global medical attention.
UNESCO Heritage: The diet was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010 for its cultural and social value.

The Groundbreaking Seven Countries Study

The story of why it is called a Mediterranean diet begins with American physiologist Ancel Keys and his wife, chemist Margaret Keys. In the 1950s, Ancel Keys grew concerned by the high rates of heart disease in the United States and observed lower rates in Southern Italy, which led to the Seven Countries Study. Conducted from the late 1950s into the 1960s, this study compared the diets and health of populations in seven different countries. The research confirmed lower heart disease rates in Southern Italy and Crete, Greece, leading Keys to coin the term “Mediterranean diet” to describe this healthful eating pattern.

The Greek Meaning of “Diet”

Understanding the original Greek word diaita, meaning 'way of living' or 'lifestyle,' is crucial to grasping the full scope of the Mediterranean diet. It's more than just food; it includes physical activity, communal meals, and social connections, contributing to its health benefits. This reflects the traditional lifestyle in the Mediterranean basin.

Core Principles of the Mediterranean Diet

The traditional Mediterranean diet is plant-based and uses locally sourced foods. The core components are listed on {Link: The Mediterranean Diet: From an Environment-Driven Food Culture to an Emerging Medical Prescription https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6466433/}.

Comparison of Mediterranean vs. Western Diet

Comparing the Mediterranean diet to a typical Western diet highlights the differences in fat sources and food variety:


Feature	Mediterranean Diet	Western Diet
Primary Fat Source	Olive Oil (monounsaturated)	Processed seed oils, butter, trans fats (saturated)
Daily Staples	Fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains	Processed foods, refined grains, added sugars
Protein Sources	Fish, poultry, eggs, legumes	High consumption of red meat and processed meats
Dairy Intake	Low to moderate cheese and yogurt	High consumption of dairy products, often high-fat
Red Meat Intake	Low, consumed monthly or less	High, consumed multiple times per week
Food Processing	Minimally processed, fresh food	Highly processed, pre-packaged foods
Associated Lifestyle	Active, social meals, relaxed pace	Sedentary, fast-paced, often rushed meals

The Modern Context and UNESCO Recognition

While traditional practices inspired the diet, modern eating habits in the Mediterranean region are changing due to globalization. Despite this, the diet's global popularity and recognition have grown as research confirms its health benefits. In 2010, UNESCO recognized the Mediterranean diet on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, emphasizing its cultural and social value as a way of life.

Conclusion: A Name Rooted in Geography and Science

The name “Mediterranean diet” reflects both the geographical region where these eating habits were observed and the scientific research that identified them. The name captures a healthy way of living rooted in a specific environment and culture, offering valuable insights for modern nutrition. For more on the Mediterranean lifestyle, you can explore resources like the {Link: UNESCO Med Diet website https://mediterraneandietunesco.org/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The term 'Mediterranean diet' was coined by American biologist Ancel Keys and his wife, chemist Margaret Keys, in the 1950s and 1960s.

Keys studied the dietary habits of people in the Mediterranean after observing surprisingly low rates of heart disease in Southern Europe compared to high rates in the United States.

No, the Mediterranean diet is not a single cuisine but rather a shared dietary pattern that has many regional variations across the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

The core components are listed on {Link: The Mediterranean Diet: From an Environment-Driven Food Culture to an Emerging Medical Prescription https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6466433/}.

Yes, but meat is consumed in moderation. Fish and poultry are more common sources of animal protein than red meat, which is eaten sparingly.

Wine is often consumed moderately with meals as part of the cultural tradition, but it is not a requirement of the dietary pattern. It is not recommended to start drinking for health benefits.

In 2010, UNESCO recognized the diet as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, acknowledging its cultural practices, traditions, and social significance alongside its health benefits.

While the traditional diet is relatively high in total fat, it primarily consists of healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil, not saturated fat like a typical Western diet.