Mediterranean Diet Pyramid

It summarizes the Mediterranean Diet pattern of eating, suggesting the types and frequency of foods that should be enjoyed every day.

The diet is closely tied to areas of olive oil cultivation in the Mediterranean region.

The pyramid, structured in light of current nutrition research and representing a healthy Mediterranean diet, is based on the dietary patterns of Crete, Greece and southern Italy circa 1960 at a time when the rates of chronic disease were among the lowest in the world, and adult life expectancy was among the highest, even though medical services were limited.

The pyramid is divided into daily, weekly, and monthly frequencies, but does not recommend serving sizes.

[1] Research suggests that the Mediterranean diet consumption pattern promotes good health and longevity.