The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid is a graphical representation of the Mediterranean diet
It is based on dietary patterns that were typical of Crete and southern Italy in the early 1960s, where adult life expectancy was among the highest in the world and rates of coronary heart disease, certain cancers and other chronic diet-related diseases were among the lowest.
The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid highlights the importance of the foods that make up the main food groups. Each of these individual food groups provides some, but not all, of the nutrients needed by the human body. Foods from one group cannot replace those of another group. All groups are necessary for a healthy and balanced diet.
It is divided into five groups. Each group plays an essential role in making healthy food choices. The lower a group is on the ladder, the more generously the foods that make up the group should be consumed.
The Mediterranean Diet is characterised by plenty of plant-based foods, fresh fruit as the typical daily dessert, olive oil as the main source of fat, dairy products, fish and poultry, eggs, red meat and wine usually with meals.
This diet is low in saturated fat (< or = 7-8% of energy), with total fat ranging from < 25% to > 35% of energy across the range. The pyramid describes a dietary pattern that is attractive for its renowned palatability as well as its health benefits.
The base:Sharing a meal with others and frequent physical activity as a lifestyle
The Mediterranean Diet is the product of a rich cultural heritage that emphasises physical activity and socialisation. The base of the pyramid reflects this heritage, where people’s association and regular physical activity form the foundation on which the other choices are based.
First tier:Daily consumption of the foods in this group
The first tier of the pyramid shows the foods we should eat every day. In this tier we have fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, herbs and spices, and of course extra virgin olive oil.
Vegetables:green leafy vegetables, carrots, onions, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and many others.
Fruits:oranges, bananas, papaya, apples, pears, peaches, grapes, melon, dates, figs, apricots, berries, cherries, pomegranates and many more.
Whole grains:Bulgur, farro, buckwheat, barley, couscous, oats, wheat berries, whole wheat bread, oatmeal, quinoa, as primary sources of carbohydrates.
Legumes:beans, chickpeas, sesame seeds, peanuts.
Olive oil and table olives:Emphasis on the use of extra virgin olive oil as a primary source of fat in cooking and raw in garnishing dishes.
Nuts and seeds:Walnuts, almonds, cashew nuts, sunflower seeds and many others as primary sources of carbohydrates.
Herbs and spices:: Ginger, cinnamon, garlic, pepper, rosemary, thyme, thyme, mint, sage, parsley, tarragon, oregano, cardamom, basil and many more.
Second tier:Consumption of this food group twice a week
Fish and seafood occupy the second tier of the pyramid. These foods should be consumed at least twice a week.
Fish:Fish is an essential part of the Mediterranean diet.
Fatty fish:Fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and are useful for heart health. It is also rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. Examples of fatty fish include: trout, salmon, herring, sardines, anchovies, tuna, albacore.
Lean fish:lean fish have fewer calories and may be preferred if you don’t like the smell of fish, for example: cod, sea bass, tilapia, halibut, grouper. Other examples of fish that are not very tasty: cod, sea bass, sea bass, tilapia, halibut, grouper.
Seafood:seafood is a rich source of protein and minerals. They are often low in calories and rich in flavour. Examples of seafood include: shrimp, lobster, crab, clams, mussels, and periwinkles.
Third tier:Daily to weekly consumption of moderate portions of this food group
In the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid, these foods should be eaten daily to weekly in moderate portions.
Poultry:Chicken, turkey, duck and quail.
Eggs:Eggs from chicken, turkey, duck and quail.
Cheese:Strongly flavored cheeses, such as parmesan and feta, should be preferred over highly processed cheeses.
Yogurt:Prefer full-fat Greek yogurt. Avoid yogurt with plenty of sugar and additives.
At the top of the pyramid:Least frequent consumption of this food group
The foods that should be eaten less frequently are at the top of the pyramid, including:
Sweets:Candies, ice cream, milk chocolate and other foods high in added sugar.
Red meat:Beef, goat, ram, pork and other red meats.
Saturated fat:Butter, lard and other saturated fats. Margarine contains trans fats and should never be consumed.
Why should you follow the Mediterranean Diet?
The Mediterranean Diet helps us to find the right balance between the nutrients we need in combination with other beneficial food compounds without excessive calories.
Some healthy features of the Mediterranean Diet are:
1. Antioxidant-rich:antioxidants are healthy compounds found in most vegetables and are associated with lower inflammation and cell damage.
2. Rich in fiber:fiber supports good gut bacteria, which is linked to wellness. Fiber improves satiety while making you feel full without adding calories.
3. Highly nutritious:the Mediterranean Diet contains rich amounts of proteins, fats and oils, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. It also contains compounds such as omega-3 fatty acids and phytonutrients, which have health benefits.
4. Minimal sugar, saturated fat and red meat:these foods have been linked to increased inflammation and poor health.
5. Focus on whole foods:focus on whole foods, reducing exposure to chemical additives and harmful compounds such as trans fats.
6. Focusing on healthy fats:encourages consumption of healthy fats, which are associated with high levels of good cholesterol.
7. Holistic approach:emphasizes physical activity and community, factors linked to overall well-being.
The health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet
Research shows that the Mediterranean Diet has numerous health benefits.
Some of these benefits include:
- Reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome and vascular inflammation
- Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes
- Promoting good heart function and blood vessel function and reducing high blood pressure, strokes and the risk of heart disease
- Reducing cancer risk, including breast, colorectal, bladder and gynecological cancers
- Reducing the risk of obesity
- Reducing the risk of depression
- Supporting brain health