History of Mediterranean diet in Timeline
The Mediterranean diet, conceptualized by Ancel and Margaret Keys in 1975, is inspired by the traditional eating habits of Crete, Greece, and southern Italy in the early 1960s. It emphasizes plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, with olive oil as the primary fat source. Fish and poultry are consumed in moderation, while red meat and sweets are limited. Dairy products are also eaten in moderation. The "Mediterranean diet" is distinct from actual Mediterranean cuisines and the Atlantic diet and has been refined based on scientific studies.
1970: Seven Countries Study first published
In 1970, the Seven Countries Study was first published, providing objective data showing that the Mediterranean diet is healthy.
1975: Initial publication of the Mediterranean diet concept
In 1975, the Mediterranean diet concept was first publicized by Ancel and Margaret Keys but did not gain widespread recognition until the 1990s.
1980: Publication of a book-length report
In 1980, a book-length report confirmed the results of epidemiological studies in Calabria, Naples and Madrid.
2008: Correlation with decreased risk of dying from cancer
In 2008, a meta-analysis found that strictly following the Mediterranean diet was correlated with a decreased risk of dying from cancer by 6%.
2011: Mediterranean diet included as a fad diet
By 2011, the Mediterranean diet was included by some authors as a fad diet promoted for losing weight.
May 2012: Health claims on olive oil approved by EFSA
In May 2012, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) approved health claims on olive oil for protection against oxidation of blood lipids and maintenance of normal blood LDL-cholesterol levels.
2013: Correlation with lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and slower cognitive decline
According to a 2013 systematic review, greater adherence to a Mediterranean diet is correlated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and slower cognitive decline.
2013: Limited evidence of cardiovascular risk factor effects
In 2013, a Cochrane review found limited evidence that a Mediterranean diet favorably affects cardiovascular risk factors.
2014: Association of elevated olive oil consumption with reduced mortality risk
In 2014, a meta-analysis concluded that elevated consumption of olive oil is associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events and stroke.
2014: Association with decreased risk of death from cancer
In 2014, a review found that adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a decreased risk of death from cancer.
2014: Lifecycle analysis of greenhouse gas emissions
In 2014, researchers found that a Mediterranean-like diet may reduce food production emissions below those of an omnivorous diet for 2050, with a per capita reduction of 30%.
2014: Mediterranean diet associated with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes
In 2014, two meta-analyses found that the Mediterranean diet was associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes.
2015: Inclusion in Dietary Guidelines for Americans
In 2015, The Mediterranean diet was recommended in the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
2015: Healthy Mediterranean-Style Eating Pattern devised
In 2015, the US national guidelines devised a "Healthy Mediterranean-Style Eating Pattern", designed from the "Healthy U.S.-Style Eating Pattern" with more fruits and seafood, and less dairy.
2016: Weight loss
In 2016, a review found similar weight loss as other diets.
2016: Relation between adherence to Mediterranean diet and cognitive performance
In 2016, a systematic review found a relation between greater adherence to a Mediterranean diet and better cognitive performance, but it's unclear if the relationship is causal.
2016: Concerns about the quality of previous systematic reviews
In early 2016, reviews raised concerns about the quality of previous systematic reviews examining the impact of a Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular risk factors, stating that the evidence was "limited and highly variable".
2016: Recommendation by American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association
Since about 2016, the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association have recommended the Mediterranean diet as a healthy dietary pattern that may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes, respectively.
2017: Evidence of heart disease and early death risk reduction
A 2017 review provided evidence that the Mediterranean diet lowers the risk of heart disease and early death.
2017: Decreased rate of cancer
In 2017, a review found a decreased rate of cancer, although evidence was weak.
2017: Evidence of disease risk reduction
In 2017, a review found evidence that a Mediterranean diet could lead to reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, overall cancer incidence, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and early death.
2017: Mediterranean diet associated with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes
In 2017, findings similar to those of 2014 showed that the Mediterranean diet was associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes.
2018: Improvement of overall health status
In 2018, a review showed that the Mediterranean diet may improve overall health status, such as reduced risk of non-infectious diseases, reduced total costs of living, and reduced costs for national healthcare.
2018: Questioning the value of the traditional Mediterranean diet
In 2018, the European Journal of Public Health questioned the value of the traditional Mediterranean diet due to homogenization of dietary choices and food products in the global economy.
2019: Uncertainty regarding cardiovascular disease effects
In 2019, a Cochrane review found uncertainty regarding the effects of Mediterranean‐style diet advice on cardiovascular disease occurrence and risk factors.
2019: Mediterranean diet may help obese people
In 2019, a review found that the Mediterranean diet may help obese people lower the quantity and improve the nutritional quality of food intake, with an overall effect of possibly losing body weight.
2019: Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of diabetes
In 2019, the American Diabetes Association and a review indicated that the Mediterranean diet is a healthy dietary pattern that may reduce the risk of diabetes.
2020: Inclusion in Dietary Guidelines for Americans
In 2020, The Mediterranean diet was recommended in the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
2020: Research on health contributions
In the 2020s, research indicates that a Mediterranean diet may contribute to health.
2021: Lower risk of cancer mortality
In 2021, an updated review found that the Mediterranean diet is associated with a 13% lower risk of cancer mortality in the general population.
2023: Evidence for reduced mortality and cardiovascular disease risk in women
In 2023, a review found evidence for a reduction of mortality and cardiovascular disease risk in women on a Mediterranean-type diet.
2024: Bioactive compounds contribute to cardiovascular health
In 2024, a review highlighted that bioactive compounds found in Mediterranean diet components exhibit properties that may contribute to cardiovascular health.
2050: Projected reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
In 2014, researchers found that a Mediterranean-like diet may reduce food production emissions below those of an omnivorous diet for 2050, with a per capita reduction of 30%.
