Polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols and cholesterol metabolism in the mediterranean diet.

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.