The Endocrine-Modulating Potential of the Mediterranean Diet: Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2026.93.72530Keywords
“Mediterranean diet”, Endocrine system, Hormones, ReproductionAbstract
The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is a plant-centered nutritional model recognized for its profound anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This narrative review evaluates evidence from clinical and epidemiological studies to synthesize the impact of MedDiet adherence on human hormonal regulation across the pancreatic, adipokine, stress, thyroid, and gonadal axes. Current evidence indicates that adherence to the MedDiet, particularly in energy-restricted or polyphenol-enriched forms, significantly enhances insulin sensitivity and downregulates pro-inflammatory markers such as leptin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). Furthermore, long-term adherence to a "Green-MedDiet" variant has been demonstrated to reduce fasting morning cortisol (FMC), suggesting a role in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis modulation. While the MedDiet appears protective against thyroid autoimmunity and assists in correcting hormonal dysregulation in conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), its impact on circulating sex hormones in healthy, homeostatic populations is negligible. This review highlights the MedDiet as a therapeutic tool for managing endocrine disruptions associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Adrian Pal, Patryk Cegiełka, Krzysztof Cienkowski, Małgorzata Katra, Mikołaj Szczęsny, Karolina Żeżawska, Izabella Głowacka, Marcin Ślot, Aleksandra Adamczyk, Maria Sicińska
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