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Over the past two centuries, average lifespan has increased significantly, with the elderly population growing rapidly, particularly in Western countries. However, the increase in healthy lifespan has not kept pace, highlighting the need for strategies to prevent age-related diseases and reduce associated medical, economic, and social burdens. Nutrigerontology, the study of the impact of the diet component on aging and age-related diseases, has emerged as a key field in this endeavor. The traditional Mediterranean diet, characterized by low glycemic index foods, low animal protein intake, and high consumption of plant-based foods and olive oil, has been widely recognized for its health benefits. It is associated with a lower incidence of age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. The diet's richness in nutraceuticals and functional foods contributes to these protective effects, promoting healthy aging. Functional foods, including those featured in the Mediterranean diet, are rich in bioactive compounds that modulate molecular pathways linked to aging, such as inflammation and oxidative stress. Several studies in Sicily have demonstrated the beneficial effects of local foods on various health parameters. For instance, green olives of the Nocellara del Belice variety have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting their potential as nutraceuticals. Similarly, extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is rich in phenolic compounds like oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, which have been shown to modulate inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to the health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet. Another promising functional food is pasta enriched with Opuntia Ficus Indica (OFI) cladode extracts. This pasta has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic effects, making it a potential food for preventing age-related metabolic disorders. Additionally, dietary β-glucans, found in various enriched foods, have shown promise in regulating immune responses, inflammation, and gut hormones, further supporting their role in healthy aging.
In conclusion, the integration of nutraceuticals and functional foods into dietary patterns holds significant potential for promoting healthy aging. The Mediterranean diet, in particular, serves as a model for such an approach, offering a synergistic combination of bioactive compounds that can mitigate age-related diseases and enhance longevity. Further research and larger studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of these foods and develop comprehensive dietary strategies for healthy aging.
