Thursday, November 13, 2025

The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid At 30 Years

The Study

It has been 30 years since the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid was first published. A recent review article summarized the research examining the effect of this approach on a variety of health outcomes. In both randomized trials and cohort studies, this diet has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, total mortality, cancer mortality, stroke, type 2 diabetes and dementia.

 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2025;122:17-28

Take Home Message

The research literature has consistently shown the Mediterranean diet to be outstanding at reducing the risk of chronic disease. It is the diet I recommend to my clients and the one I consume myself and feed to my family.

The base of the Mediterranea Diet Pyramid consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and olive oil. These should be the most commonly eaten foods.

The next level up you find fish and seafood, which you can eat often.

After that comes poultry, eggs, cheese and yogurt, which you eat in moderate portions.

The top of the pyramid is red meat and sweets, which are strictly limited.

 

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