The Mediterranean diet for exercise performance and health

The Mediterranean diet represents the traditional eating habits of individuals living in the Mediterranean basin. It is a plant-rich dietary pattern that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, pulses, nuts and seeds, alongside a moderate amount of fish and infrequent consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks, confectionery, and red and processed meat. Data from observational studies and randomised controlled trials indicate that consumption of a Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduced risk of various age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease and dementia. Interestingly, there are some provisional data suggesting that consuming a Mediterranean diet could also serve as a good model of healthy eating for athletes, with potential exercise performance-enhancing effects. This webinar explores recent evidence regarding the benefits of consuming a Mediterranean diet for health and exercise performance. It also discusses potential mechanisms through which these effects occur. The presentation is suitable for students, researchers, clinicians, and practitioners with an interest in nutrition for health and/or sports nutrition.

What will I gain from this webinar?

• You will be able to outline the key characteristics of the Mediterranean diet and how its adherence is measured in research and public health settings.
• You will be able to critically evaluate the strength of evidence regarding the Mediterranean diet’s effects on cardiovascular and cognitive health.
• You will be able to understand the current research on the Mediterranean diet’s impact on exercise performance and the potential mechanisms behind these effects.