MEDITERRANEAN NUTRITION AND NEUROLOG-ICAL DISEASES
Konstantina Metaxouli, Nikoletta Margari
Friday, July 1, 2022
Publication year:
2022
Authors:
- Metaxouli Konstantina, PhD (c), Department of Nursing, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
- Margari Nikoletta, Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
Keywords index:
Pages: 236-244
Abstract:
Introduction: In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of neurological diseases which are the most common cause of disability worldwide. At the same time, researchers are proposing guidelines for healthy nutrition that seek to help reduce and treat neurological disorders, seeking the maximum benefit. The aim of this review was to investigate the role of the Mediterranean diet in the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Methodology: It was conducted literary review of scientific articles in the Medline electronic databases (Pubmed) and Scopus, from October 2020 to May 2021. The criteria for inclusion of an article in the study were the language (English), the relevance to the topic, its validity and the year of publication (2015-2021). Results: The plant-based diet with the contribution of whole grain products, fish, poultry, dairy and especially olive oil is the basic composition of the Mediterranean diet. Its antioxidant effect on stroke seems to be beneficial. For Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, the influence of this diet also seems to help prevention and perhaps in the treatment of both of these diseases. Multiple sclerosis, affects younger ages and is associated with chronic inflammation. The Mediterranean diet, with high quality products, has shown to have encouraging effects. Conclusion: A diet based on the Mediterranean diet seems to have a positive effect to patients suffering from vascular stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis. For these diseases effective seems to be the contribution of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins A, B, C. Additional studies are needed to substantiate its effectiveness.
Download PDF
