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The Mediterranean Diet Score is a tool used to assess adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, which is renowned for its health benefits, including reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases and improved longevity. It quantifies dietary patterns based on the consumption of key food groups and nutrients characteristic of the Mediterranean region, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and fish.
Dietary patterns refer to the overall diet and the quantities, proportions, variety, or combinations of different foods and beverages in a diet and the frequency with which they are habitually consumed. Understanding Dietary patterns is crucial for assessing the relationship between diet and health outcomes, as they provide a more comprehensive picture than analyzing individual nutrients or foods alone.
Nutritional Epidemiology is a field of study that examines the relationship between diet, nutrition, and health outcomes in populations. It utilizes epidemiological methods to understand how dietary factors influence the risk of diseases and to inform public health recommendations and policies.
Cardiovascular health refers to the optimal functioning of the heart and blood vessels, which is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. It is influenced by lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and smoking, as well as genetic predispositions and medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
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Longevity refers to the length of time that an individual lives, often focusing on extending the healthy and active years of life. It is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, and is a major focus in fields like gerontology and biogerontology.
A Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) is a dietary assessment tool used to evaluate an individual's habitual food consumption over a specified period, typically ranging from a month to a year. It is widely used in nutritional epidemiology to link dietary patterns with health outcomes and is valued for its ability to capture long-term dietary intake with relatively low respondent burden.
Health outcomes refer to the changes in health status or quality of life that result from healthcare interventions or social determinants. They are critical for evaluating the effectiveness of medical treatments, public health policies, and healthcare systems in improving patient and population health.
Nutrient density refers to the amount of essential nutrients a food contains relative to the number of calories it provides, emphasizing the importance of consuming foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds without excessive caloric intake. This concept is crucial for optimizing health, managing weight, and preventing chronic diseases by prioritizing foods that deliver the most nutritional value per calorie consumed.
Antioxidants are molecules that inhibit the oxidation of other molecules, thereby protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. They play a crucial role in maintaining health by preventing oxidative stress, which is linked to various chronic diseases and aging.
Monounsaturated fats are a type of dietary fat found in a variety of foods and oils, known for their health benefits, including improving heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels. They are liquid at room temperature and are considered a healthier fat option compared to saturated fats and trans fats.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fats crucial for maintaining heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function. They cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet or supplements, with sources including fish, flaxseed, and walnuts.
Diet quality refers to the nutritional value and diversity of foods consumed, impacting overall health and disease risk. It's not just about the absence of unhealthy foods but the presence of nutrient-rich, varied options that support bodily functions and prevent chronic conditions.
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