--- title: Mediterranean Diet Ranked Best Diet for 9th Year in a Row description: The Mediterranean Diet is ranked Best Diet of 2026 for the 9th year. Discover its health benefits, key foods, and how to get started with olive oil. image: https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/med-diet_NEW.webp --- Translate this page - [![United States of America (US)](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/United%20States%20of%20America%20(US).svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#googtrans/en) - [![Spain (ES)-1](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/Spain%20(ES)-1.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#googtrans/es) - [![portugal](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/portugal.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#googtrans/pt) - [![francia](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/francia.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#googtrans/fr) - [![italia](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/italia.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#googtrans/it) - [![greece](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/greece.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#googtrans/el) - [![arabic-1](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/arabic-1.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#googtrans/ar) - [![turkia](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/turkia.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#googtrans/tr) - [![japon](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/japon.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#googtrans/ja) - [![china-1](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/china-1.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#googtrans/zh-TW) [Membership](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/members) [Member Login](https://my.naooa.org/MIC/login) ![hero-baner](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/med-diet_NEW.webp) [Olive Oil for Health](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/topic/olive-oil-for-health) # Mediterranean Diet Ranked Best Diet for 9th Year in a Row Translate this page - [![United States of America (US)](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/United%20States%20of%20America%20(US).svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#googtrans/en) - [![Spain (ES)-1](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/Spain%20(ES)-1.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#googtrans/es) - [![portugal](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/portugal.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#googtrans/pt) - [![francia](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/francia.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#googtrans/fr) - [![italia](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/italia.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#googtrans/it) - [![greece](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/greece.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#googtrans/el) - [![arabic-1](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/arabic-1.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#googtrans/ar) - [![turkia](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/turkia.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#googtrans/tr) - [![japon](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/japon.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#googtrans/ja) - [![china-1](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/china-1.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#googtrans/zh-TW) Mediterranean Diet Ranked Best Diet for 9th Year in a Row 3:44 For an impressive ninth consecutive year, [*U.S. News & World Report*](https://health.usnews.com/best-diet/mediterranean-diet) has named the Mediterranean Diet its Best Overall Diet. Each year, a panel of health experts evaluates eating patterns for nutritional completeness, health risks and benefits, long-term sustainability, and evidence-based effectiveness — and once again, the Mediterranean Diet rose to the top. In addition to earning the #1 overall spot, the Mediterranean Diet consistently ranks at or near the top in categories related to heart disease, diabetes, brain health, healthy aging, and overall wellness. ![Mediterranean Diet Named Best Diet for the 9th Year in a Row ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NAOOA-best-diet-IG_2026%20(1).jpg?width=999&height=735&name=NAOOA-best-diet-IG_2026%20(1).jpg) ### **What is the Mediterranean Diet?** The Mediterranean diet is a flexible way of eating based on traditional food patterns from the Mediterranean region. It emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and healthy fats — especially extra virgin olive oil as the primary fat source. Backed by extensive research, this eating pattern is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases and improved overall well-being. Just as importantly, it’s one of the easiest healthy diets to maintain, offering adaptable guidelines that work with a wide range of cuisines and lifestyles, making it sustainable in the long term. ## **Why Experts Keep Ranking It #1** The Mediterranean Diet’s continued top ranking comes from decades of research linking this way of eating to wide-ranging health benefits in the following areas: ### **Cardiovascular Health** - Reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure - Lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and higher levels of protective HDL cholesterol ### **Metabolic Health** - Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes - Improved blood sugar control - Support for healthy weight management ### **Brain and Cognitive Function** - Reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia - Support for memory and overall cognitive performance ## **Weight Loss and the Mediterranean Diet** While not designed as a rapid weight-loss diet, the Mediterranean approach emphasizes nutrient-dense, high-fiber foods and healthy fats, which increase satiety and support gradual, sustainable weight management. Research also shows the Mediterranean Diet can support long-term weight loss and maintenance. For example, a calorie-restricted Mediterranean eating pattern has been linked to [greater weight loss](https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/mediterranean-diet-beats-low-fat-diet-for-long-term-weight-loss) over one year compared with a low-fat diet. [Longitudinal studies](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8803490/) further suggest that people who adhere to Mediterranean-style eating over many years tend to gain less weight, have a lower risk of developing obesity, and accumulate less abdominal fat — a key risk factor for metabolic disease. These findings highlight that the Mediterranean Diet can be effective for both losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight over time. ## **How to Get Started** Want to start eating the Mediterranean way? To help you get started, explore: - The [recipes ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/topic/olive-oil-recipes)on our website feature olive oil in delicious, everyday meals - The [Oldways 4-Week Mediterranean Diet Program](https://oldwayspt.org/explore-heritage-diets/mediterranean-diet/), including a free menu plan and community support - Guides from the Culinary Institute of America on incorporating olive oil into a [plant-forward diet](https://www.plantforwardkitchen.org/) - Mediterranean meal plans from [Everyday Health](https://www.everydayhealth.com/mediterranean-diet/complete-mediterranean-diet-food-list-day-meal-plan/) and [EatingWell ](https://www.eatingwell.com/category/4300/mediterranean-diet-meal-plans/) Year after year, the Mediterranean Diet proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be extreme or complicated. Built on simple foods, shared meals, and the everyday use of olive oil, it remains a delicious, sustainable, and science-backed path to better health. ### Popular Posts [![www.aboutoliveoil.orghubfsfrenchfries](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/www.aboutoliveoil.orghubfsfrenchfries.jpg?width=1000&height=563&name=www.aboutoliveoil.orghubfsfrenchfries.jpg) ### Is It Safe to Cook with Extra Virgin Olive Oil? Read More ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/is-it-safe-to-cook-with-extra-virgin-olive-oil) [![oo3](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Stock_photos_from_Janey/oo3.jpg?width=800&height=600&name=oo3.jpg) ### 5 expert tips for buying olive oil Read More ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/5-expert-tips-for-buying-olive-oil) [![Olive Oil Myths vs. Facts Redesign](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Olive%20Oil%20Myths%20vs.%20Facts%20Redesign.jpg?width=1200&height=1553&name=Olive%20Oil%20Myths%20vs.%20Facts%20Redesign.jpg) ### Olive Oil Myths vs Facts Read More ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/olive-oil-myths-facts) [![cover](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/Consumer%20Guide%20Cover.png "cover")](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/olive-oil-guide) [ Free Download ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/olive-oil-guide) ### Topics [ Olive Oil Facts ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/topic/about-olive-oil) [ Recipes ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/topic/olive-oil-recipes) [ Olive Oil for Health ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/topic/olive-oil-for-health) [ Cooking with Olive Oil ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/topic/cooking-with-olive-oil) [ Buying Olive Oil ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/topic/buying-olive-oil) [ Olive Oil Quality ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/topic/olive-oil-quality) ## For more information --- Sign up for our newsletter to receive announcements and alerts about upcoming blogs and information. ![logo-certified](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/logo-certified.svg)The North American Olive Oil Association is committed to supplying North American consumers with quality products in a fair and competitive environment; to fostering a clear understanding of the different grades of olive oil; and to expounding the benefits of olive oil in nutrition, health, and the culinary arts. | © North American Olive Oil Association. All Rights Reserved. [Follow us on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/aboutoliveoil.naooa) [Follow us on Youtube! ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCIGB_KDsBYLLWKuAfmG-3Q) [Follow us on Instagram! ](https://www.instagram.com/about_oliveoil/) [Follow us on Twitter! ](https://twitter.com/about_oliveoil) [Follow us on LinkedIn! ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/naooa/) [ MEMBER LOGIN ](https://my.naooa.org/MIC/login) [Back To Top ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row#) ![NAOOA Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1619072324973389&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ![](https://analytics.twitter.com/i/adsct?txn_id=nube2&p_id=Twitter&tw_sale_amount=0&tw_order_quantity=0) ![](https://t.co/i/adsct?txn_id=nube2&p_id=Twitter&tw_sale_amount=0&tw_order_quantity=0) ![](https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/viewthroughconversion/872458192/?guid=ON&script=0) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "About Olive Oil", "url" : "https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/author/about-olive-oil" }, "dateModified" : "2026-02-11T23:23:01.990Z", "datePublished" : "2026-02-11T23:23:01.000Z", "headline" : "Mediterranean Diet Ranked Best Diet for 9th Year in a Row", "image" : [ "https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/med-diet_NEW.webp" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/mediterranean-diet-ranked-best-diet-for-9th-year-in-a-row", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/social-suggested-images/www.aboutoliveoil.orghs-fshubfswebsite-logo2.jpg" }, "name" : "North American Olive Oil Association" } } ```