Effects of nutraceuticals of Mediterranean diet on aging and longevity

Abstract

Among the many existing dietary interventions, Mediterranean diet has received much attention because of its beneficial influence on healthy aging and longevity. Mediterranean dietary pattern, characterized by low glycemic index and low-animal protein intake, is rich in nutraceuticals and functional foods, and bioactive compounds able to reduce the signaling of molecular pathways, such as nutrientsensing ones, affecting aging process. Therefore a close adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet allows avoiding cardiovascular disorders and other age-related diseases, and it is responsible for the high rate of long-living individuals scattered throughout the Mediterranean basin. For these reasons, Mediterranean diet, rich in bioactive compounds, has been promoted as one of the best model of healthy eating for successful aging