Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD), characterized by high intake of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, olive oil and fish, correlates with longevity and reduction of age-related diseases (ARDs). Clinical studies indicate that bioactive components of the MD, such as the polyphenols, have beneficial effects by decreasing inflammaging, the mild age-related chronic inflammation.
Inflammaging is a recognized hallmark in the ARDs susceptibility and a shared risk factor for many ARDs. Food sources of polyphenols and other phytochemicals could mediate the MD health-promotion through anti-inflammatory and other properties.
While recommended, strict adherence to the MD is often not sustainable in modern- fast paced societies. In this context, it makes sense to identify, research and provide the most promising MD phytochemicals in standardized and practical formats.
