The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) represents the crystallisation of the centuries-old cooking legacies of different civilisations. The association of the MedDiet with longevity and low cardiovascular risk prompted the Seven Countries Study, which provided epidemiological evidence on the health effects of diet. This led to further studies, both epidemiological and interventional. Scales to measure adherence as well as studies of food components have consolidated a body of knowledge that is of great interest to institutions and governmental agencies. The recognition of its benefits for health has made the widespread introduction of the MedDiet an urgent challenge. Parallel efforts are being made to extend research through experimental and clinical studies. The purpose of this review is to present the historical background of the MedDiet, the main steps leading to the recognition of its health benefits, and the current strategy to facilitate its global implementation.

中文翻译：

---

地中海饮食：健康食品的历史视角

地中海饮食 (MedDiet) 代表了不同文明数百年烹饪遗产的结晶。MedDiet 与长寿和低心血管风险的关联促成了七国研究，该研究为饮食对健康的影响提供了流行病学证据。这导致了进一步的流行病学和干预研究。衡量依从性的量表以及对食物成分的研究已经巩固了机构和政府机构非常感兴趣的知识体系。认识到其对健康的益处使得 MedDiet 的广泛引入成为一项紧迫的挑战。正在同时努力通过实验和临床研究来扩展研究。这篇评论的目的是介绍 MedDiet 的历史背景，