First publicized in 1945 by the Dr. Ancel Keys, the Mediterranean diet is based on what from the point of view of mainstream nutrition is considered a paradox: People living in Mediterranean countries have far lower rates of cardiovascular disease than in countries like the United States, where similar levels of fat consumption are found.

The Mediterranean diet has been cause for record human longevity. The focus of this diet is to limit detrimental fat consumption, while loading up on unprocessed healthy fat including extra virgin olive oil, which provides mono- unsaturated fat. It also contains the highest levels of polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant.