Mediterranean Diet as a Nutraceutical and Sustainable Model for Health and Environmental Wellbeing

The Mediterranean Diet (MD) has emerged as a comprehensive model for promoting human health and environmental sustainability. Rooted in a rich cultural and gastro-nomic heritage, the MD extends beyond nutritional adequacy, offering substantial nutraceutical benefits attributed to its high content of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and phytosterols. These compounds contribute to the prevention and management of chronic non-communicable diseases through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective mechanisms. Simultaneously, the MD aligns with sustainable food system principles, characterised by a predominantly plant-based composition, seasonal and local food sourcing, reduced reliance on animal-derived products, and minimal food waste. This dietary pattern has been associated with a significantly lower ecological footprint compared to Western diets, thus supporting broader environmental goals. This paper reviews the historical evolution, nutritional profile, bioactive composition, and epide-miological evidence supporting the MD, and proposes a reconceptualization of the traditional MD pyramid to emphasise its functional food components. Ultimately, the MD stands as a scientifically grounded, culturally embedded, and ecologically viable approach to foster both individual and planetary wellbeing.