Mediterranean diet and metabolic syndrome: the evidence.
BACKGROUND
The Mediterranean diet has long been related to a lower cardiovascular disease risk; however, more recent evidences also indicate that it has a favourable effect on adiposity and type 2 diabetes.


METHODS
Review of the available literature in relation to Mediterranean diet and metabolic syndrome.


RESULTS
Several components of Mediterranean diet patterns have been inversely related with body mass index. They are considered to be modulators of insulin resistance, can exert beneficial effects on blood pressure, improve atherogenic dyslipidemia or attenuate the inflammatory burden associated with metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome has been associated with dietary patterns rich in fruits and vegetables, nuts, olive oil, legumes and fish, moderate in alcohol and low in red meat, processed meat, refined carbohydrates and whole-fat dairy products.


CONCLUSIONS
There is much evidence suggesting that the Mediterranean diet could serve as an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern, which could help to fight diseases related to chronic inflammation, including metabolic syndrome.
Babio
Nancy
N
Human Nutrition Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan de Reus, IISPV, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Rovira i Virgili University, Spain.
Bulló
Mònica
M
Salas-Salvadó
Jordi
J
D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors