The Secrets of the Mediterranean Diet. Does [Only] Olive Oil Matter?

1. Nutrients. 2019 Dec 3;11(12):2941. doi: 10.3390/nu11122941.

The Secrets of the Mediterranean Diet. Does [Only] Olive Oil Matter?

Mazzocchi A(1)(2), Leone L(1)(2), Agostoni C(1)(2)(3), Pali-Schöll I(4)(5).

Author information:
(1)Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 
20126 Milan, Italy.
(2)SIGENP (Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and 
Nutrition), via Libero Temolo 4 (Torre U8), 20126 Milan, Italy.
(3)Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale 
Maggiore Policlinico, 20126 Milan, Italy.
(4)Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of 
Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, 
Austria.
(5)Comparative Medicine, The interuniversity Messerli Research Institute, 
University of Veterinary Medicine, Medical University and University Vienna, 
1090 Vienna, Austria.

Abstract

Diet plays a key role in the maintenance and optimal functioning of immune 
cells. The Mediterranean dietary pattern is an example of a prudent choice of 
lifestyle and scientifically accepted to help preserve human health by 
protecting against major chronic and inflammatory diseases. Mediterranean diets 
(MedDiets) are characteristically high in the consumption of fruits, vegetables 
and salad, bread and whole grain cereals, potatoes, legumes/beans, nuts, and 
seeds. Their common central feature is the usage of olive oil as the main source 
of fat. The health benefits attributed to olive oil are specifically related to 
extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) intake with its high nutritional quality and 
multiple positive effects on health. Overall, MedDiets have direct 
(mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), tocopherols, polyphenols) and indirect 
(low saturated fats, well-balanced linoleic/alpha linolenic acid) effects on the 
immune system and inflammatory responses. In the present paper, we summarize the 
current knowledge on the effect of olive oil per se and MedDiets generally on 
immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases, such as coronary heart disease 
(CHD)/cardiovascular diseases (CVD), obesity, type-2 diabetes, cancer, asthma, 
and allergies.

DOI: 10.3390/nu11122941
PMCID: PMC6949890
PMID: 31817038 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflict of interest.