Effectiveness of the Mediterranean diet in the elderly

Abstract

Abstract: The Mediterranean diet is known to be one of the healthiest dietary patterns in the
\nworld due to its relation with a low morbidity and mortality for some chronic diseases. The
\npurpose of this study was to review literature regarding the relationship between Mediterranean
\ndiet and healthy aging. A MEDLINE search was conducted looking for literature regarding
\nthe relationship between Mediterranean diet and cardiovascular disease (or risk factors for
\ncardiovascular disease), cancer, mental health and longevity and quality of life in the elderly
\npopulation (65 years or older). A selection of 36 articles met the criteria of selection. Twenty
\nof the studies were about Mediterranean diets and cardiovascular disease, 2 about Mediterranean
\ndiets and cancer, 3 about Mediterranean diets and mental health and 11 about longevity
\n(overall survival) or mental health. The results showed that Mediterranean diets had benefi ts on
\nrisks factors for cardiovascular disease such as lipoprotein levels, endothelium vasodilatation,
\ninsulin resistance, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, antioxidant capacity, the incidence
\nof acute myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular mortality. Some positive associations with
\nquality of life and inverse associations with the risk of certain cancers and with overall mortality
\nwere also reported.