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

Abstract

The objective of this work was to review nutritional components of the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet, containing olive oil, fish, fruits and vegetable is associated with a low rate of cardiovascular and cancer diseases.

This diet is rich in phytosterols, squalene, dietary fibre, antioxidants, phenolic substances and polyunsaturated acids.

Keywords

• mediterranean diet
• fatty acid
• squalene
• phytosterols
• vegetable and fish oils