Much research has been conducted in regards to the potentially beneficial nutrients abundant in the Mediterranean diets, namely monounsaturated fatty acids, high amounts of fiber, antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C, polyphenols and other. However, the properties of the whole pattern seem to be well beyond the individual effects of nutrients.
By investigating and evaluating the Mediterranean diet as a dietary pattern, we take into account nutrients and foods, their interactions, intercorrelations and cumulative effects. Eating is a complex behavior consisting of several individual behaviors, among others, the choice of specific foods or food groups, the organization of food into meals, and the conditions around or preceding eating.

Mary Yannakoulia, Meropi Kontogiannia, Nikolaos Scarmeas
‘Cognitive health and Mediterranean Diet: Just diet or lifestyle pattern?’, Ageing Research Reviews (2015)