ABSTRACT
Overall energy intake from total food intake cannot be so high that it leads to development of overweight and obesity; therefore, physical activity and other components of lifestyle must be reasonably optimal to support health. Protein consumption is plentiful in the nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea, but only small amounts of red meat are consumed Fish, whole grains, legumes, and other plant and animal foods provide sufficient protein to support health at all stages of the life cycle. A wide variety of plant foods provide many of these micronutrients that support health through their diverse functions in tissues and organ systems. Also, certain foods common to Mediterranean diets appear to have benefits by lowering the risks of cardiovascular diseases. The Mediterranean dietary pattern has been shown to prevent or reduce risks of many chronic debilitating diseases because the emphasis on plant foods plus a healthy lifestyle promote optimal functions of cells, tissues, and the various organ systems of the body.
