Based on the Cretan diet, the scientific community in the fields of health and nutrition in the 1960s defined the Mediterranean diet pattern, which has been the object of intensive scientific research during the past years. Results from the studies suggest that individuals who adopt this nutritional pattern present reduced risk against several chronic diseases, while various health indicators are also improved in these individuals. This is particularly important as, according to the World Health Organization, 60% of total deaths worldwide are due to chronic diseases and the adoption of attitudes related to a healthy lifestyle, such as nutrition, can significantly decrease occurrence of these diseases (www.who.int). It is important to note that a healthy lifestyle is related to a 83% decrease in the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, 91% decrease in the occurrence of diabetes in women and 71% decrease in the occurrence of large intestine cancer in men. Consequently, according to these data, returning to a traditional nutritional pattern should be considered as a necessity for all of us.

Mentioned below are only a few of the many results of studies conducted during the past years regarding the role of what is now referred as the Mediterranean diet in our health. The results displayed derive only from studies which evaluated the Mediterranean diet as a whole, and not based on its individual components.


All the information included applies also to the Cretan diet of 1960s, since the Mediterranean diet was based on it. On the contrary, one could not claim as easily that the diet of other Mediterranean countries during the same period is connected to similar health benefits.