Implementing the Mediterranean Diet

Most of us have heard about the Mediterranean diet and its supposed health benefits, and it conjures up images of roast lamb and vegetables, olives, olive oil and red wine. I wonder how many of us have read up in detail about what the scientific proof looks like and exactly what this “diet” involves. This book sets out to provide the reader with all the background information, scientific studies and what they prove, and provides insights and advice on how the Mediterranean diet can be implemented. How consumers can make this transition is also discussed. The book is divided into two parts to distinguish between “why” the Mediterranean diet should be implemented and “how” to implement the diet and help motivate and guide consumers. The first seven chapters of Part 1 delve into the evidence base for the effectiveness of the diet in disease prevention and why we should minimise the consumption of highly processed foods. The nine chapters of Part 2 discuss the “how” – how to address practical and behavioural barriers to food choice, how to get the balance of the main foods and food groups in the diet right, and how to incorporate the Mediterranean diet into your lifestyle, and ends with a look at the benefits of the diet to society and the possible impact on sustainability of the food system. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in nutrition and looking for an evidence-based overview of this particular diet. – Professor Gunnar Sigge, Issue 41, Volume 12, Number 3, FST Magazine, South African Food Science and Technology