The Mediterranean diet: a matter of history, tradition, culture and health.

We can state that unhealthy diets are among the top 10 causes of mortality in Western countries. The Mediterranean diet is gaining popularity because it encourages weight loss, improving the quality of life by offering a variety of healthy and palatable foods. Moreover, it ensures adequate intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, fibers, legumes, cereals and olive oil, which have been associated with a longer lifespan of people thanks to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Thus the Mediterranean diet could act as therapy in inflammatory diseases including cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and chronic renal failure.