Mediterranean Diets May Slow Aging

Mechanisms underlying the Mediterranean diet on the positive relationship between the diet and positive physical and cognitive function; the role this diet plays in reducing inflammation; and benefits of coenzyme Q10 supplements while on the diet are reported in the 6 articles. In several studies benefit of Mediterranean diets were dependent on how diet adherence was measured. Greater understanding of how the diet is defined will help achieve an approach on how to effectively apply the diet pattern towards optimizing healthy aging.

Mediterranean diets include: variety of minimally processed grains and legumes as the staple foods; diverse fresh vegetables daily; fresh fruits usually as dessert; cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, seeds, and nuts as principal fat sources; fish moderately; low amounts of dairy; processed and red meat in small portions and low frequency; wine in low amounts with meals only.

A number of ways are used to measure adherence to Mediterraneans diets. Amung tests subjects higher numbers on literature based adherence score to the diet were associated with increased odds in meeting certain healthy aging criteria. It was found in individuals who used closer adherence to the Mediterranean diet were associated with a decreased likelihood of physical function impairments in older adults.

Exact mechanisms in which increased adherence to the Mediterranean diet exerts its positive effects is still not known to scientists, however there is evidence of 5 important adaptations in the dietary pattern that include lipid lowering; modification of growth factors which can promote cancer; inhibition of nutrient sensing pathways by restriction of amino acids and gut microbiota-mediated production of metabolites; protection from oxidative stress and inflammation.