Acta Med. 2006, 49: 23-26

https://doi.org/10.14712/18059694.2017.105

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Phytosterols and Cholesterol Metabolism in the Mediterranean Diet

Zdeněk Zadák, Radomír Hyšpler, Alena Tichá, Dagmar Solichová, Vladimír Bláha, Bohuslav Melichar

Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital in Hradec Králové, Department of Gerontology and Metabolic Care, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic

Received January 1, 2006
Accepted January 1, 2006

The objective of this work was to review nutritional components of the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet is not a specific diet plan or diet program but a collection of eating habits that are traditionally followed by the people of the Mediterranean region. There are at least 16 countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and food habits vary between these countries according to culture, ethnic background and religion. The Mediterranean diet, containing olive oil, fish, fruits and vegetable is associated with a low rate of cardivascular and cancer diseases. This diet is rich in phytosterols, squalene, dietary fibre, antioxidants, phenolic substances and polyunsaturated acids.

Funding

Supported by grant IGA MZ CR NB 7589–3.

References

17 live references