Tested for thousands of years Mediterranean food has been acclaimed internationally, not only for its wide variety (fish, rice, beans, meat, olive oil), but also for the health benefits and many properties it exerts. Mediterranean diet has been associated in several studies with a significant amelioration of multiple risk factors, including among some of them a better cardiovascular risk profile, reduced oxidative stress and modulation of inflammation [12]. Image left: Olives by Peter Firminger under Creative Commons Attribution License (CC by 2.0).

The most commonly used herbs in Mediterranean food are rosemary, parsley, sage, garlic and oregano, among many others, but if something can be identified as integral part of the Mediterranean diet is olives, and even more olive oil. Mediterranean diet can be identified in high consumption of fruits and vegetables, olive oil as principal source of fat, low consumption of meat and dairy products and moderate consumption of wine [12]. Now, a study reveals other properties that relate to its benefits for bone formation.

OLEA EUROPAEA

Family: Oleaceae
Genus: Olea
Common name: Olives

What are antioxidants?

As we already know, antioxidants are naturally occurring substances that are found in nature, in herbs, plants, fruits and vegetables. They play a very important role in our lives, as they are capable by themselves to stop oxidation, a process in which free radicals in our bodies are trying to get the electron they miss from other healthy molecules. This process, also known as oxidative stress, damages the molecules to which free radicals got coupled, weakening and deteriorating our skin, if we talk about skin cells.

What causes oxidation?

Oxidation is nowadays caused by multiple factors, to name some of them we can mention environmental pollution, smoking, UV radiation...etc.

PUNICA GRANATUM

Family: Lytraceae
Genus: Punica
Common name: Granada

Several are the factors for which male population suffer from Erectile dysfunction (ED), among some of them we can cite obesity, stress, hormonal levels, diabetes mellitus, smoking, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, oxidative stress...etc. This last one, Oxidative stress has been demonstrated to have a direct link with the occurrence of erectile dysfunction [1].

Recent studies on the subject suggest that there is a direct link between dietary intake of antioxidant and a lower incidence of erectile dysfunction.

FRAGARIA ANANASSA

Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Fragaria
Common name: Strawberry

Hormonal changes and stress are two of the main factors influencing cognitive functions in middle aged women. Cognitive difficulties include memory loss and mild cognitive impairment, two factors frequently related to Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Recent studies on how herbs and active constituents found in plants can help to prevent those symptoms and positively influence and improving cognitive function in middle aged women, linked herbs as Ginger (Zingiber officinale) as a potentiating agent for cognitive functions. Image left: Ginger plant by Learninglark under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0).

ZINGIBER OFFICINALE

Family: Zingiberaceae
Common name: Ginger