The Discovery of Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet history can be traced back sometime around 50 years ago when this eating pattern was first discovered. But as to how long it had been existing prior to its discovery, nobody can tell for sure. This dietary model was uncovered during a health research conducted among seven countries in the vicinity of the Mediterranean Sea. Of the seven countries studied, researchers found out that certain areas in Greece and Italy exhibit the lowest rate of heart disease. Furthermore, people in these areas generally live longer than those in other countries. A further study traced these remarkable characteristics to the eating pattern of the people in the said region.

Background of the Mediterranean Eating Pattern

Researchers found the eating pattern of the Mediterranean people to be highly characterized by a proportionate distribution of food. Certain foods are consumed daily and in large amounts, others in moderate servings several times a week, and a few in very little portions. The hierarchy of the foods is as follows:

Foods consumed daily:

• Plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables
• Foods rich in carbohydrates like bread, rice, and cereals
• Olive oil as the main source of fat
• Dairy products like yogurt and cheese (moderate)
• Wine with every meal (moderate)

Foods consumed several times a week:

• Fish
• Eggs and poultry
• Sweets like honey and sugar (in little amount)

Food consumed a few times a month and in little amount:

• Meat

Mediterranean Diet at Present

Years after the study that introduced the eating pattern of the Mediterranean people, it was finally formalized and presented by Dr. Walter Willett. This eating pattern has now evolved into what we call Mediterranean diet. It has already been adapted by different groups of people, with certain variations occurring in each group according to their geographical conditions. There are areas, for instance, that use more lard and butter instead of olive oil simply because they do not have many olives available. Other factors that affect these variations are cost of products, taste preference, as well as modernization that result in the growing number of commercial establishments that process food instead of offering them in their natural state.

The growing number of dietary programs available today, all promising short-term and long-term benefits, can be confusing. But if you will look at them closely, you will notice that many are similar to the centuries-old diet practiced by the Mediterranean people. Despite this, you’ll also discover that only a few comes close to its credibility as proven by the rich Mediterranean diet history and the various studies that back it up.