Articles

The Health Benefits of Mediterranian Style Diet on Cardiometabolic and Overall Health

Onur ORAL^1*, Naima BADID², Iyanuloluwa OJO³, Asmita SUNAR⁴, Mümtaz ENSER^5
1Ege University, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Izmir, Turkey.
²Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of Nature and Life & Sciences of the Earth and the Universe, University of Tlemcen, Algeria.
³University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
⁴Kathmandu Yeti Science and Technical Collage, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Katmandu, Nepal.
⁵Department of Philosophy, Institute of Social Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.

Article Info

Received Date: 14 February 2025, Accepted Date: 19 February 2025, Published Date: 21 February 2025

*Corresponding author: Onur Oral, University of Ege, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Department of Health Sciences and Sports, Izmir, Turkey.

Citation: Onur ORAL, Naima BADID, Iyanuloluwa OJO, Asmita SUNAR, Mümtaz ENSER. (2025). The Health Benefits of Mediterranian Style Diet on Cardiometabolic and Overall Health. Journal of International Surgery Case Reports, 1(1); DOI: http;/02.2025/JISCR/002.

Copyright: © 2025 Onur Oral. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4. 0 international License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Abstract

Background: This review article aims to provide an understanding of diabetes mellitus, including its causes, health risks, and ways to prevent and prevent them, empowering self-management skills in managing this health problem.

Materials and Methods: In the search for scientific literature for this review, data from the US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), MEDLINE, PsycINFO and SportDiscus were used, and the terms ‘’Mediterranian diet’’, ‘’overall health’’.’’ cardiometabolic health’’. “metabolic disorders’’ were used. The relevant literature has also taken its source from the research of relevant articles from reference lists derived from data searches.

Results: The Mediterranean diet has been shown to offer a variety of health benefits, particularly for cardiometabolic health. Its emphasis on whole, nutrient-dense foods and healthy fats provides a sustainable eating pattern that has the potential to improve overall health.

Conclusion: It appears that research continues to uncover the many ways that the Mediterranean diet may improve cardiometabolic health, suggesting that adopting this diet could be a useful tool for improving both physical and mental health.

Keywords: mediterranian diet; cardiometabolic health; overall health and metabolic disorders.

Introduction

The Mediterranean diet (MD) has emerged as one of the most extensively researched and evidence-based dietary patterns in contemporary nutritional science and has been the subject of many studies on healthy eating. Characterized by abundant plant-based foods, olive oil as the primary source of fat, moderate fish and seafood consumption, and limited red meat consumption, this traditional dietary pattern has attracted significant attention due to its broad health benefits [1]. The increasing global burden of chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular disorders and metabolic syndromes, has intensified scientific interest in dietary interventions that offer protective effects against these conditions, and the Mediterranean diet has been preferred by the broad public [2]. Recent epidemiological studies have emphasized strong associations between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and reduced risks of various chronic diseases. Large-scale prospective cohort studies have shown that individuals following this dietary pattern have lower rates of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers [3]. The PREDIMED study, one of the most influential randomized controlled trials in nutritional epidemiology, has provided convincing evidence for the cardioprotective effects of the Mediterranean diet, highlighting its positive effects on cardiovascular disorders and metabolic syndrome [4]. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has received significant attention in recent years due to its association with numerous health benefits, especially related to cardio metabolic health. Characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, moderate consumption of fish and poultry, and low consumption of red meat and sweets, this dietary pattern has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and some cancers [2, 5]. The compelling evidence supporting the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet highlights that its adoption could serve as a vital public health strategy to combat the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases globally [1, 6].

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the diet, attributed to its rich content of polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and other bioactive compounds, have been extensively documented in biochemical and clinical studies [7, 8] Studies have revealed complex mechanisms by which Mediterranean diet components affect cellular signaling pathways, gene expression, and metabolic processes [9, 10], and in these studies, the impact of the Mediterranean diet on gut microbiota composition and function has been revealed as another important mechanism underlying its health benefits [11].

The efficacy of the Mediterranean diet extends beyond physical health to cognitive function and mental well-being. Longitudinal studies have shown that adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases [12]. These findings are known to have important implications for aging populations worldwide, as the diet may offer a practical approach to healthy aging and disease prevention [13].

The Mediterranean diet, most generally defined as a high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, moderate intake of fish and poultry, and low intake of red meat and dairy products, is known not only as an eating pattern but also as a social lifestyle that emphasizes regular sports and physical activity and active interactions between individuals. Research has consistently shown that the Mediterranean diet, with its dietary habits and social lifestyle characteristics, is associated with a variety of health benefits, particularly in terms of cardiometabolic health, weight control, hypercholesterolemia, and chronic diseases such as Diabetes Type 2 [14-16].

Materials and Methods

A comprehensive search of the extant literature was conducted using various databases, including the US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Scopus, EBSCO, MEDLINE, DRJI (Research Journal Indexing Index), Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and SportDiscus. Key search terms such as "Mediterranean diet," "overall health," "cardiometabolic health," and "metabolic disorders" were chosen to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. To ensure the relevance of the findings, the search was further restricted to peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2002 and 2024. To comprehensively assess the association between the Mediterranean diet, cardiometabolic health, overall health, and metabolic disorders, certain criteria had to be met. Initially, the association between the Mediterranean diet, cardiometabolic health, metabolic disorders, and overall health was examined. Secondly, the studies were required to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Thirdly, the studies had to be in English. Following a rigorous selection process, 22 studies were selected for inclusion in this review.

Results and Discussion

A number of research studies demonstrate that the Mediterranean diet has beneficial impacts on cardiometabolic health, across the board. Consistent with evidence-based dietary guidelines that are associated with lower risks for non-communicable diseases, eating this diet means consuming whole, minimally processed whole foods with a high content of healthy fats, fiber and antioxidants [17]. The decrease in cardiovascular events, prevalence of metabolic syndrome and pro-inflammatory markers indicates that the Mediterranean diet has a pleiotropic positive effect on health [18]. Concurrently, evidence in support of the Mediterranean diet as a promoter of human health indicates that its dissemination could represent a fundamental strategy of public health to counter the associated increasing worldwide prevalence of non-communicable diseases [1, 6]. That the diet contains potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, possibly due to its high polyphenolic content, as well as omega-3 fatty acids and additional bioactive compounds has been demonstrated in biochemical and clinical studies [8].

One of the key mechanisms through which the Mediterranean diet exerts its protective effects is its ability to improve lipid profiles. The high intake of monounsaturated fats, particularly from olive oil, has been shown to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels while reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels [19]. This lipid-modifying effect is crucial, as dyslipidemia is a well-established risk factor for CVD.

Research has revealed complex mechanisms through which Mediterranean dietary components influence cellular signaling pathways, gene expression, and metabolic processes [10, 20]. The Mediterranean diet appears to encourage a diverse gut microbiome, which has been linked to enhanced metabolic health and reduced inflammation, further underscoring its potential in chronic disease prevention [11].

It has been suggested that the Mediterranean diet's benefits may extend beyond physical health to cognitive function and mental well-being. Some studies have indicated that individuals who adhere to a Mediterranean diet may have a reduced risk of cognitive decline, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases [12]. These findings could have important implications for aging populations worldwide, as the diet may offer a practical approach to healthy aging and disease prevention [13, 21].

The potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the diet, attributable to its abundant content of polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and other bioactive compounds, have been extensively documented in biochemical and clinical studies [8]. Research has also revealed the complex mechanisms by which Mediterranean dietary components affect cellular signaling pathways, gene expression, and metabolic processes [10, 22].

Another potential mechanism underlying the health benefits is thought to be due to the effect of a diet high in whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds complemented by healthy fats on gut microbiota composition and function [11]. A careful review of the results of these studies suggests that consuming fiber-rich foods typical of the Mediterranean diet may promote a diverse gut microbiome that may be associated with improved metabolic health and reduced inflammation.

Conclusion

A growing body of literature suggests that the Mediterranean diet may have a positive impact on cardiometabolic health, highlighting its potential benefits and the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. Research suggests that following this dietary pattern could contribute to a lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and inflammation. It has been observed that individuals who regularly adhere to the Mediterranean diet may experience lower levels of LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, both of which are important factors in heart health. The diet's rich blend of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances may also contribute to reducing the risks associated with chronic diseases.

The Mediterranean diet is all about whole foods, featuring a diverse selection of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, complemented by healthy fats like those from olive oil and fish. This makes it a strong ally in promoting overall wellness and preventing chronic illnesses. By encouraging the consumption of nutrient-rich foods while cutting down on processed items, sugars, and unhealthy fats, the diet supports better metabolic functioning and overall vitality.

Looking ahead, it's crucial for future studies to delve into the mechanisms behind the Mediterranean diet's health benefits. Understanding how particular elements of the diet aid in achieving these positive outcomes is vital. Additionally, examining how this diet applies to various demographics including different age groups, cultural contexts, and individuals with existing health issues is equally important. Long-term studies and randomized controlled trials will be invaluable in establishing causal relationships and uncovering the enduring advantages of following this dietary pattern, as they can yield more definitive insights into how the Mediterranean diet affects health over time.

Pursuing this line of research will not only help us understand the clinical advantages of adhering to such a diet but also reveal practical ways for individuals to integrate these guidelines into their everyday lives. By enhancing our knowledge of how the Mediterranean diet contributes to cardiometabolic health, healthcare providers will be more equipped to encourage this lifestyle choice among patients and the public. Ultimately, promoting the Mediterranean diet could lead to better health outcomes and a decrease in the global burden of chronic diseases, making it a critical area of focus for both researchers and nutrition professionals in public health.

Acknowledgment:

We would like to express our special thanks to Dr. George N. NOMIKOS for his very successful contribution to the literature research process and unique academic support in the publication during the process of this review article.

Conflict of interest:

The author certifies that there is no conflict of interest with any financial organization regarding the material discussed in the manuscript.

Funding:

The author certifies that there is no funding from any financial organization regarding the material discussed in the manuscript or contributions:

Author contributions:

All the authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.