The Mediterranean diet or how healthy food research started

Back in the 60s, the fast food industry flourished in the United States, small restaurants opened at every turn, offering delicious hamburgers, fried potatoes… The whole nation went “crazy” for this new trend in the food industry. No one was paying attention to the effects that diet has on health, and the population’s well-being was getting worse. Psychologist Keys * notes that “seemingly healthy people are dropping like flies on the streets”, the reason being the fatal consequences of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The mortality rate in the United States was extremely high.

The start of a research – USA, Japan, Finland, the Netherlands, Italy, Greece, Yugoslavia

Keys gathered a team of scientists from various fields with the aim of finding the cause for this “plague”. He connected with scientists from seven countries: USA, Japan, Finland, the Netherlands, Italy, Greece and Yugoslavia with the aim of comparing the diet and lifestyle in those countries. The result was The Seven Countries Study, a pioneering research in CVD prevention.

Why those countries?

Studying the situation, scientists have noticed that the mortality rate from these diseases is significantly lower in the countries that are part of the so-called Mediterranean Basin. 

Indeed, the traditional Mediterranean cuisine is based on high intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, moderate intake of meat (especially red) and dairy products, a glass of wine after each meal. All meals are seasoned with olive oil. 

On the other hand, a modern and fast-paced lifestyle was already a part of the everyday life in developed European countries and the USA, and the diet was mostly made up of food fried in refined oils.

What is the conclusion of the Seven Countries Study and why is it important?

The Seven Countries Study is the first, pioneering study that proved the impact of diet and lifestyle on the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, that the risks that cause CVDs are universal for all populations around the world, and that they can be prevented. For the first time the term “Mediterranean diet” is mentioned. They proved that the traditional diet and lifestyle typical for the Mediterranean protects against numerous CVDs.

Recommended by nutritionists

The situation hasn’t changed significantly, even today most people all around the world die primarily from cardiovascular disease (CVD). According to the WHO, in 2015 17.7 million people died from CVDs, and these deaths account for 31% of all global causes of death. And although the Seven Countries Study has received numerous criticism, it has made a great contribution to the prevention of CVD. Many nutritionists around the world agree and recommend the Mediterranean diet for prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

SOURCES

Kastorini, C. M., Panagiotakos D. B., Chrysohoou, C., Georgousopoulou, E., Pitaraki, E., Puddu, P. E., Tousoulis, D., Stefanadis, C., Pitsavos, C. (2016): Metabolic syndrome, adherence to the Mediterranean diet and 10- year cardiovascular disease incidence: The ATTICA study, Atherosclerosis 246, pp. 87 – 93

Sofi, F., Cesari, F., Abbate, R., Gensini, G. F., Casini, A. (2008) Adherence to Mediterranean diet and health status: meta-analysis, BMJ 337

The Seven Coutries Study, https://www.sevencountriesstudy.com/

WHO-World Health Organization, http://www.who.int/en/