A meta-analysis of 12 prospective cohort studies involving 1,574,299 participants found that greater adherence to a Mediterranean diet is significantly associated with reduced risks of overall mortality, cardiovascular mortality, cancer incidence/mortality, and incidence of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. A two-point increase in the adherence score was linked to a 9% reduction in overall mortality, 9% in cardiovascular mortality, 6% in cancer incidence/mortality, and 13% in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease incidence. The study highlights the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet on health outcomes, suggesting its potential as a preventive strategy for chronic diseases. The Mediterranean diet, characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, fish, and moderate red wine, is associated with lower mortality and disease incidence. While the analysis showed some heterogeneity in results, the overall findings support the Mediterranean diet as a key factor in improving health status. The study emphasizes the importance of dietary patterns over individual nutrients, advocating for the adoption of a Mediterranean-like diet for primary and secondary prevention of chronic diseases. Limitations include variability in dietary scoring and potential confounding factors, but the results are considered clinically relevant for public health.A meta-analysis of 12 prospective cohort studies involving 1,574,299 participants found that greater adherence to a Mediterranean diet is significantly associated with reduced risks of overall mortality, cardiovascular mortality, cancer incidence/mortality, and incidence of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. A two-point increase in the adherence score was linked to a 9% reduction in overall mortality, 9% in cardiovascular mortality, 6% in cancer incidence/mortality, and 13% in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease incidence. The study highlights the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet on health outcomes, suggesting its potential as a preventive strategy for chronic diseases. The Mediterranean diet, characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, fish, and moderate red wine, is associated with lower mortality and disease incidence. While the analysis showed some heterogeneity in results, the overall findings support the Mediterranean diet as a key factor in improving health status. The study emphasizes the importance of dietary patterns over individual nutrients, advocating for the adoption of a Mediterranean-like diet for primary and secondary prevention of chronic diseases. Limitations include variability in dietary scoring and potential confounding factors, but the results are considered clinically relevant for public health.