This pyramid, representing a healthy, traditional Mediterranean
diet, is based on the dietary traditions of Crete, much of the
rest of Greece and southern Italy circa 1960, structured in light
of current nutrition research. The selection of these regions
and this time period as a basis for the design follows from three
considerations:
- Recognition that the rates of chronic diseases were among
the lowest in the world and adult life expectancy was among
the highest for these populations at that time, even though
medical services were limited;
- Availability of data describing the character of food consumption
patterns of the areas at that time; and
- The convergence of the dietary patterns revealed by these
data and our current understanding of optimal nutrition based
on epidemiological studies and clinical trials worldwide.
Variations of this diet have traditionally existed in other parts
of Italy, parts of Spain and Portugal, southern France, parts
of North Africa (especially Morocco and Tunisia), parts of Turkey,
other parts of the Balkan region, as well as parts of the Middle
East (especially Lebanon and Syria). The diet is closely tied
traditionally to areas of olive oil cultivation in the Mediterranean
region.
Given these carefully-defined parameters of geography and time,
the phrase traditional Mediterranean diet is used here as shorthand
for the healthy traditional diets of these regions at that time.
The design of the pyramid is not based solely on either the weight
or the percentage of energy (calories) that foods account for
in the diet, but on a blend of these that is meant to give relative
proportions and a general sense of frequency of servings, as well
as an indication of which foods to favor in a healthy Mediterranean-style
diet. The pyramid describes a diet for most healthy adults. Whether
changes would need to be made for children, women in the reproductive
years, and other special population groups is an issue that needs
further consideration.
For Americans, northern and eastern Europeans and others who
want to improve their diets, this model provides a highly palatable,
healthful framework for change. Equally positive results can be
obtained either by entirely adopting a Mediterranean-style diet,
or by alternating meals based on this Mediterranean model with
meals inspired by healthful dietary traditions of other cultures
in other parts of the world. For those living in the Mediterranean
region, this pyramid provides a basis for preserving and revitalizing,
within a modern lifestyle, centuries-old traditions that contribute
to excellent health and a sense of pleasure and well-being that
are a vital part of our collective cultural heritage.
