Healthy effects of functional foods from the Mediterranean and Nordic Diet

The positive effects of the Mediterranean Diet on health have stimulated a considerable research effort to better understand the role of bioactive molecules present in foods typical of this area. Similarly, the Nordic Diet is rich in bioactive molecules that have proven effects on health. Both the eating habits are focused on healthy foods and on the development of functional foods, as whole grain, fruits, vegetables, berries, olive oil, table olives, etc. These foods are rich of bioactive components as polyphenols and secondary metabolites, carotenoids, fatty acids, polysaccharides, recognized for their beneficial effects on human health. In vitro studies and preclinical models allowed to highlight the mechanism of action of bioactive compounds in the containment and prevention of diseases related to aging, neurodegenerative, metabolic, immune system, etc. Moreover, even the human intestinal microbiota is affected by the bio-actives present in typical foods of both diets. In particular, scientific evidences shown synergic and reciprocal actions between gut microbiota and bio-actives through the modulation of microbial species and metabolites production. The proposed topic aims to highlight similarity and differences between the two Diets suggesting that the Nordic Diet could also have an advantageous effect as Mediterranean Diet.