Why is it called the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet is one of the most extensively researched and recognized healthy eating patterns in the world. Its name originates not from a single region-wide culinary tradition, but from scientific observation of specific communities in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea in the mid-20th century. This diet's foundation is built upon the eating habits of regions like Crete, Greece, and Southern Italy, as documented by American scientist Ancel Keys.

Quick Summary

The term "Mediterranean diet" was coined by American scientist Ancel Keys and his wife, Margaret Keys, based on their observations of traditional eating patterns in specific coastal regions during the 1950s and 60s.

Key Points

• Ancel Keys' Research: The name originated from American scientist Ancel Keys' influential research in the mid-20th century, particularly the Seven Countries Study, which investigated links between diet and heart disease.

• Based on Specific Regions: Keys based his findings on the traditional eating patterns he observed in rural populations in Crete and Southern Italy, not every country along the Mediterranean Sea.

• Dietary Pattern, Not Just Cuisine: The term refers to a specific, scientifically defined dietary pattern characterized by high intake of plant foods, olive oil, and fish, with low consumption of red meat.

• Differs from Western Diets: The diet's emphasis on healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, along with whole, minimally processed foods, stands in contrast to common Western diets.

• Holistic Lifestyle: The "diet" also encompasses a broader lifestyle, including physical activity, communal eating, and appreciating food.

• Globally Recognized: The Mediterranean diet is today one of the most well-studied and recommended dietary patterns for promoting overall health and longevity.

The Origins of the Name: The Keys' Discovery

The name "Mediterranean diet" was coined by American physiologist Ancel Keys in the mid-20th century. Concerned about rising heart disease rates in the US, Keys and his wife, Margaret, initiated the Seven Countries Study to examine dietary patterns globally.

Keys observed that certain rural populations in Southern Italy and Crete had significantly low rates of heart disease, despite consuming relatively high-fat diets compared to Americans. The key difference was the type of fat: these populations consumed abundant monounsaturated fats from olive oil, rather than saturated fats from red meat and butter prevalent in the American diet.

After years of research, Keys and his team concluded that the traditional diets of these specific regions, rich in plant foods and healthy fats, contributed to better health. Keys popularized the term “Mediterranean diet” in his 1975 book, Eat Well and Stay Well the Mediterranean Way.

More Than a Single Cuisine

The Mediterranean diet isn't a uniform cuisine across all 16 bordering countries but a dietary pattern based on specific regional eating habits. Cuisines in the region vary based on local culture, agriculture, and religion. The diet defined by Keys and nutritionists reflects core principles from some of the healthiest populations in the area during that period.

Key components, including an emphasis on plant foods, the use of olive oil, and regular fish, can be found in more detail on {Link: NCBI https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6466433/}.

Mediterranean Diet vs. Western Diet: A Comparison

A comparison of the Mediterranean diet and the Western diet, highlighting differences in features such as primary fat source and plant-based focus, is available on {Link: NCBI https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6466433/}.

The Lifestyle Factor and Cultural Legacy

The Mediterranean diet also includes lifestyle elements like communal meals, physical activity, and appreciating food seasonality. Recognizing its broader cultural significance, UNESCO designated the Mediterranean diet as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" in 2010.

The Mediterranean diet remains a key concept in nutrition. Its name honors Ancel Keys' scientific work and the health insights gained from observing traditional eating patterns in specific regions. It is a scientifically validated guide for healthy eating, widely endorsed by health organizations. For scientific details, see the NCBI article: The Mediterranean Diet: From an Environment-Driven Food Culture to an Emerging Medical Prescription for Health.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean diet gets its name from Ancel Keys' research in the mid-20th century, studying specific populations in Greece and Southern Italy. He noted their eating patterns, rich in plant-based foods, olive oil, and fish, correlated with lower heart disease rates. The term describes this specific dietary model, not all cuisines of the region. Its lasting importance comes from strong scientific evidence and its holistic view of health, including diet, lifestyle, and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who named the Mediterranean diet?

The term "Mediterranean diet" was coined by American physiologist Ancel Keys and his wife, Margaret Keys, in the mid-1970s, following decades of research into the dietary habits of specific populations in the Mediterranean region.

Is the Mediterranean diet a traditional diet for all Mediterranean countries?

No, the diet is a conceptual eating pattern based on observations made in specific regions like Crete and Southern Italy during the mid-20th century. Culinary traditions vary significantly across the more than 16 countries that border the Mediterranean Sea.

What led Ancel Keys to study the Mediterranean diet?

Ancel Keys was motivated by the high rates of heart disease in the United States and noticed significantly lower rates in certain Mediterranean communities. He began studying their diets to understand the link.

What are the core components of the Mediterranean diet?

The diet is defined by a high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts; extra virgin olive oil as the main fat source; moderate intake of fish and poultry; and low consumption of red meat, sweets, and processed foods.

Is red wine a required part of the Mediterranean diet?

Moderate consumption of red wine with meals is part of the traditional pattern, but it is not required. For those who do not drink, abstaining is perfectly consistent with the diet.

What is the difference between Mediterranean diet and Mediterranean cuisine?

The Mediterranean diet is a scientifically defined nutritional pattern. Mediterranean cuisine refers to the diverse culinary traditions and recipes of the countries surrounding the sea, which vary widely.

Does the Mediterranean diet include lifestyle factors?

Yes, beyond just food, the diet incorporates a focus on an active lifestyle, social meals shared with others, and mindful eating. UNESCO even recognizes it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.