journal article·2020-12-21Open access

The Beneficial Health Effects of Vegetables and Wild Edible Greens: The Case of the Mediterranean Diet and Its Sustainability

Elena Chatzopoulou, Márcio Carocho, Francesco Di Gioia, Spyridon A. Petropoulos

Applied Sciences· Volume 10· Issue 24

Abstract

The Mediterranean diet (MD) concept as currently known describes the dietary patterns that were followed in specific regions of the area in the 1950s and 1960s. The broad recognition of its positive effects on the longevity of Mediterranean populations also led to the adoption of this diet in other regions of the world, and scientific interest focused on revealing its health effects. MD is not only linked with eating specific nutritional food products but also with social, religious, environmental, and cultural aspects, thus representing a healthy lifestyle in general. However, modern lifestyles adhere to less healthy diets, alienating people from their heritage. Therefore, considering the increasing evidence of the beneficial health effects of adherence to the MD and the ongoing transitions in consumers’ behavior, the present review focuses on updating the scientific knowledge regarding this diet and its relevance to agrobiodiversity. In addition, it also considers a sustainable approach for new marketing opportunities and consumer trends of the MD.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Nutritional Studies and Diet · Culinary Culture and Tourism · Agriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Kent Business School, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, Kent, UK

Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal

Department of Plant Science, Pennsylvania State University, 207 Tyson Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA

Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Fytokou Street, 38446 Volos, Greece

Funding

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia · U.S. Department of Agriculture · Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area · General Secretariat for Research and Technology

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