The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is one that has been followed by certain populations from warmer climates for thousands of years. Many of these people seem to live in good health to an advanced age. Is this due to where they live and maybe a more laid-back
lifestyle, or is their diet also responsible for this rude health? More recently, the popularity and publicity of the MedDiet seems to have grown exponentially. Will it end up being just another diet craze or is there something behind it so that we can be confident about advising patients to adapt their diet to being more Med like? This article explores what this diet actually is and whether there is any scientific proof for the claims made about it. From the research presented, it certainly seems that the MedDiet can offset many ‘socalled’ Western diseases. This paper also looks at which elements of the diet are likely to have this effect.
Fiona Wondergem discusses the current treatments for nappy rash and atopic eczema in children Fiona Wondergem MSc, BSc Hons, PG Dip HV, RGN, RSCN, Dip HP is a freelance health writer
Article accepted for publication: December 2007
