Scientific basis for the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet.

The meaning and influence of the recently introduced concept of the "Mediterranean diet" are explained herein. Although now viewed as a discovery, the Mediterranean people's surprise at this "new" concept is stressed as they are already well acquainted with the qualities of this dietary model. Important changes in lifestyle and nutrition are currently taking place, which may not be the best way to maintain a healthy diet. Possibly, too many ancient nutritional traditions have been abandoned. If this is so, the return to this old dietary model, which has proven to be so beneficial to health, should be welcomed. To understand the significance of the Mediterranean diet the most beneficial compounds and details of the Mediterranean "classical model of lifestyle and nutrition" are explained. Finally, hypotheses about the scientific basis of the benefits of the Mediterranean diet are explained.