Affiliations: [a] Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Physiology and Toxicology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. e-mail: [email protected]
| [b] Department of Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
Abstract: The metabolic syndrome is a complex condition characterized by dyslipidaemia, high blood pressure, impaired glucose tolerance and abdominal fat accumulation. Subjects with the metabolic syndrome are at high risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. A comprehensive approach is required for patients suffering this cluster of clinical manifestations. Indeed, subjects with the metabolic syndrome could benefit from life-style modifications, particularly through exercise and diet. In this article, the evidence regarding the role of diet, in particular the role of food patterns based on the Mediterranean-style diet, in preventing and treating the metabolic syndrome are reviewed.