Overall, a better understanding of the key elements of this dietary pattern, the underlying mechanisms, and targets, are needed to corroborate current evidence and provide insights on new and potential outcomes.
Growing evidence shows that a dietary pattern inspired by Mediterranean Diet (MD) principles is associated with numerous health benefits [ 1, 2]. A Mediterranean-type diet has been demonstrated to exert a preventive effect toward cardiovascular diseases, in both Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean populations [ 1, 3]. These properties may in part depend on the positive action on the cardiometabolic risk [ 4, 5], by decreasing the risk of diabetes and metabolic-related conditions [ 6, 7, 8]. There is also evidence of a potential role of the Mediterranean diet in preventing certain cancers [ 9]. Finally, a new field of research has showed that a higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of mental disorders, including cognitive decline and depression [ 10, 11, 12]. Overall, a better understanding of the key elements of this dietary pattern, the underlying mechanisms, and targets, are needed to corroborate current evidence and provide insights on new and potential outcomes.