The director of the Fundación Universitaria Iberoamericana (Iberoamerican University Foundation, FUNIBER) in Chile, Dr. Vivian Lipari, in collaboration with Dr. Irma Domínguez, coordinator of the Foundation’s Health Area, are participating in a systematic study that analyzes 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, there has been an increase in chronic non-communicable diseases, many of which are related to poor dietary patterns. Therefore, it is 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, characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, and olive oil, has been associated with multiple health benefits, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, evidence on its direct impact on quality of life was not yet clearly established.
This study stands out as a systematic review that synthesizes existing evidence on the relationship between adherence to the mediterranean diet and quality of life in adults. By analyzing multiple studies, the researchers were able to obtain a more complete and accurate picture of this association.
To conduct the review, comprehensive searches were conducted in scientific databases, selecting studies that evaluated 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 analyzed showed that participants who followed this dietary pattern more closely 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 for improving quality of life in the adult population. Implementing nutrition education programs and public policies that encourage this dietary pattern could have a positive impact on the overall health and well-being of society.
If you would like to learn more about this study, click here.
To read more research, consult the UNEATLANTICO repository.
The Iberoamerican University Foundation (FUNIBER) offers scholarships for the International Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. This academic program takes an in-depth look at topics related to food and its impact on health.