The Mediterranean diet and One Health: A study in synergies

Abstract

Abstract Food consumption patterns (diets) lie at the nexus of human wellness and environmental conservation. The Mediterranean diet, the traditional food and lifestyle patterns of the Mediterranean populations, is a plant-based whole foods cultural model of a healthy diet. The environmental benefits are rooted in the agro-silvo-pastoral farming systems promoting sustainable productivity, and conserving biodiversity and water resources, while also decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and future land clearing. Pasture-based husbandry results in improved animal health and welfare. Understanding the ancient hierarchy of synergies in this complex system can aid policy-makers, public health planners, agriculturists, and animal advocates meet present and future challenges. One Health Impact Statement Food choice can have a profound effect on human health and the environment. Less obvious is the impact on the health and welfare of food-producing animals. The Mediterranean dietary and lifestyle pattern is a plant-based whole foods diet, arising from sustainable agroecological practices, resulting in tangible benefits in all three domains. The synergistic aspects of each domain assemble into a complex system exemplifying the interdisciplinary concept of One Health that is crucial to meeting the challenges of today.

Keywords

• one health
• mediterranean diet
• animal welfare
• agroecology