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A Mediterranean diet model in australia: Strategies for translating the traditional Mediterranean diet into a multicultural setting

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journal contribution
posted on 2024-06-18, 08:09 authored by Elena GeorgeElena George, T Kucianski, HL Mayr, G Moschonis, AC Tierney, C Itsiopoulos
Substantial evidence supports the effect of the Mediterranean Diet (MD) for managing chronic diseases, although trials have been primarily conducted in Mediterranean populations. The efficacy and feasibility of the Mediterranean dietary pattern for the management of chronic diseases has not been extensively evaluated in non-Mediterranean settings. This paper aims to describe the development of a MD model that complies with principles of the traditional MD applied in a multiethnic context. Optimal macronutrient and food-based composition was defined, and a two-week menu was devised incorporating traditional ingredients with evidence based on improvements in chronic disease management. Strategies were developed for the implementation of the diet model in a multiethnic population. Consistent with the principles of a traditional MD, the MD model was plant-based and high in dietary fat, predominantly monounsaturated fatty acids from extra virgin olive oil. Fruits, vegetables and wholegrains were a mainstay, and moderate amounts of nuts and seeds, fish, dairy and red wine were recommended. The diet encompassed key features of the MD including cuisine, biodiversity and sustainability. The MD model preserved traditional dietary components likely to elicit health benefits for individuals with chronic diseases, even with the adaptation to an Australian multiethnic population.

History

Journal

Nutrients

Volume

10

Article number

ARTN 465

Pagination

1 - 20

Location

Switzerland

Open access

  • Yes

ISSN

2072-6643

eISSN

2072-6643

Language

English

Publication classification

C Journal article, C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2018, The Authors

Issue

4

Publisher

MDPI