Dr. Vivian Lipari, together with Dr. Irma Domínguez, coordinator of the Health Area, participate in a systematic study that analyses the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and quality of life in adults. The study, published in the journal Nutrients, highlights the importance of eating habits in the overall well-being of the adult population.
Quality of life is a multidimensional concept that encompasses physical, psychological and social aspects. In recent decades, an increase in chronic non-communicable diseases has been observed, many of which are related to inadequate dietary patterns. It is therefore essential to identify dietary habits that can contribute to improving people’s quality of life.
Previously, several studies have explored the relationship between different dietary patterns and quality of life, but the results have been inconsistent. The Mediterranean diet, characterised by a high intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish and olive oil, has been associated with multiple health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, the evidence on their direct impact on quality of life was not yet clearly established.
This study stands out as a systematic review that synthesises the existing evidence on the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and quality of life in adults. By analysing multiple studies, the researchers were able to obtain a more complete and accurate picture of this association.
To conduct the review, they conducted extensive searches of scientific databases, selecting studies that assessed adherence to the Mediterranean diet and its relationship with quality of life in adults. Observational studies and clinical trials that met methodological quality criteria were included.
The results of the review indicate that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet is consistently associated with better quality of life in adults. The studies reviewed showed that participants who adhered more closely to this dietary pattern reported better scores on physical and mental dimensions of quality of life. In addition, a reduction in the incidence of depressive symptoms and an improvement in emotional well-being were observed.
These findings suggest that promoting the Mediterranean diet could be an effective strategy to improve quality of life in the adult population. Implementing nutrition education programmes and public policies that promote this dietary pattern could have a positive impact on the overall health and well-being of society.
If you want to know more about this study, click here.
To read more research, consult the UNEATLANTICO repository.
The European University of the Atlantic (UNEATLANTICO) offers a degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics (NHD). It is an academic programme that deals in depth with issues related to food and its impact on health.