A greater adherence to what has been labelled the Mediterranean diet is associated with a significant improvement in health status. However, it is unclear what this diet really contains. The objective of the present study is to discuss the contents of the scientific Mediterranean diet.

We argue that the evidence of the health-enhancing properties of the Mediterranean diet is not necessarily based on Mediterranean foods, and that we indeed do not have to eat Mediterranean foods to enjoy the health-promoting properties of the diet it represents. To maintain dietary variety, cultural diversity and heritage, as well as for environmental reasons, it seems more appropriate to promote regionally appropriate diets throughout the world – rather than a global Mediterranean diet.

Because most of the top determinants of the worldwide burden of disease are diet-related, the promotion of healthful diets is important for population health across the world. Furthermore, changes in eating habits may contribute to preservation of the environment.

In the present paper it is argued that the translation of health-promoting dietary recommendations into practical recommendations for healthful eating should be more tailored to regional circumstances. This will promote population health as well as help preserve cultural diversity in eating habits and contribute to more environmentally friendly eating. A regional Nordic diet, mimicking the Mediterranean diet to some extent, is presented as an example.

A theoretically health-enhancing Nordic diet is possible including six evidence-based ingredients: (i) native berries; (ii) cabbage; (iii) native fish and other seafood; (iv) wild (and pasture-fed) land-based animals; (v) rapeseed oil; and (vi) oat/barley/rye.