This Is How to Follow the Mediterranean Diet, Explained in 2 Minutes

In this video, learn how experts define the Mediterranean diet and what the pros and cons are to your health.

Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Updated on September 30, 2023

---

The Mediterranean diet mimics the style of eating in countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea: Greece (especially the island of Crete), Italy, Spain, and parts of Northern Africa and the Middle East. This diet wasn’t exactly “invented” but observed; researchers took interest in the cuisine and eating habits in the 1960s when they noticed life expectancy of people in this region was among the highest in the world.

References

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (n.d.). Make it Mediterranean.

American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Go heart healthy.

View All References (5)

expand_more

Altomare, R, et al. (2013). The Mediterranean diet: a history of health. Iranian Journal of Public Health.

American Heart Association. (n.d.). What is the Mediterranean diet?

Harvard Health Publishing. (2013). Adopt a Mediterranean diet now for better health later.

Samieri, C, (2013). The association between dietary patterns at midlife and health in aging: an observational study. Annals of Internal Medicine.

Willett, WC, et al. (1995). Mediterranean diet pyramid: a cultural model for healthy eating. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

Promotional Disclosureinfo_outlined

SPECIAL OFFER

Save every month on GLP-1 meds with GoodRx

Save an average of $235 on FDA-approved GLP-1s like Ozempic and Zepbound.

Get Savings