Mediterranean Diet

The traditional Mediterranean diet (MD) can be described as the diet prevailing until the 1960s in the olive tree-growing areas of the Mediterranean basin. The traditional MD, however, is more than just a diet; it is a whole healthy lifestyle pattern that has been acknowledged by UNESCO in 2010 as an intangible cultural heritage. It is graphically represented by an MD pyramid, which highlights cultural and lifestyle elements such as conviviality and physical activity. Biodiversity, sustainability, and traditional, local, and eco-friendly products are also an integral part of this dietary pattern.