Adherence to Mediterranean diet and health status: meta-analysis

Researchers combined results from 12 studies involving about 1.57 million adults. They compared people who followed a Mediterranean-style diet more closely with those who followed it less closely. The diet emphasized vegetables, fruit, beans, whole grains, nuts, fish, and olive oil, with less red meat and processed food. Over follow-up periods of 3 to 18 years, stronger adherence was linked to about 9% fewer deaths overall, 9% fewer heart-related deaths, 6% fewer cancer deaths, and 13% fewer cases of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease. These were observational studies, meaning the researchers found links but could not prove the diet caused the better outcomes.

What this means for you: A Mediterranean-style eating pattern is a reasonable choice, especially if it replaces processed foods and excess red meat. The results are encouraging, but other healthy habits among these participants may explain part of the benefit.