Bottomline:A must-read paper, by the scientists that made "Mediterranean Diet" a household name, because of striking health benefits from their Lyon Diet Heart Study; describes the key components and common mis-characterizations of the Mediterranean diet paradigm.   Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2008 Dec;10(6):518-22.

Summary: The Mediterranean diet paradigm is more than using olive oil.  In contradiction with many experts, the Mediterranean diet traditionally consists of:

•  Dairy products, usually in the form of fermented products.

•  Low in omega-6 fats

• Meats are raised on feeds/grasses containing the plant omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)

Other characteristics include: seasonal fruits and vegetables, various nuts, whole grains, fatty fish and wine drinking during meals. 

There is a thought-provoking discussion on the merits of moderate alcohol consumption versus intense cholesterol lowering on mortality.  Ultimately, the scientists urge physicians to consider the feeling of “joie de vivre” when prescribing lifestyle changes for their patients.

Quote: "...the epidemiologists does not capture one major lipid characteristic of the Mediterranean diet, which is actually low in omega-6 and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-6/omega-3 ratio has been proposed as a major component of a healthy diet."

Link to Paper:
de Lorgeril M and Salen P.
The mediterranean diet: rationale and evidence for its benefit.Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2008 Dec;10(6):518-22.