Mediterranean Diet and its Benefits on Health and Mental Health: A Literature Review

• Published in: Clinical practice and epidemiology in mental health Vol. 16; no. 1; pp. 156 - 164
• Main Authors: Ventriglio, Antonio, Sancassiani, Federica, Contu, Maria Paola, Latorre, Mariateresa, Di Slavatore, Melanie, Fornaro, Michele, Bhugra, Dinesh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United Arab Emirates Bentham Open 2020
• Subjects: Clinical Practice Epidemiology in Mental Health; Depression; Anxiety; Mental Health; Health; Mediterranean Diet; Cancer
• ISSN: 1745-0179; 1745-0179
• DOI: 10.2174/1745017902016010156

Mediterranean Diet (MD) is currently considered one of the most healthy dietary models worldwide. It is generally based on the daily intake of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, white meats, and olive oil. It may also include moderate consumption of fermented dairy products, a low intake of red meat, and red/white wine during the main course. Even if the effect of MD on cancer prevention as well as on human metabolic and cardiovascular balance has been discussed, including the quality of life of the exposed population, the putative effects on mental health are still not properly investigated. This narrative review reports on some emerging pieces of evidence on the possible impact of MD on general health and the outcome of psychiatric disorders ( ., major depression, anxiety) and encourages further studies to test the benefits of healthy food selection on the health of the general population.