Evaluation of nutritional profile and total antioxidant capacity of the Mediterranean diet of southern Spain.

The objective of this study was to determine the antioxidant capacity of a Mediterranean diet consisting typical dishes from southern Spain. For that, a 5-day diet was developed with typical dishes of Murcia. The antioxidant capacity of the diet was measured using ORAC(HF), FRAP, and DPPH methods, and the total phenolic compound content of this diet was estimated by Folin-Ciocalteu. About 50% of the antioxidant capacity and 29% of the phenolic compounds per day came from sample 14 (artichokes with ham), whereas only 1% and a 4%, respectively, proceed from sample 16 (gypsy pot). The total antioxidant capacity of the diet was estimated as 9,506.33 ET/100 g/person/day by the ORAC(HF) method, and the total phenolic consume was estimated as 1,839.05 mg GAE/person/day. The proposed diet can be considered an excellent strategy for improving the nutritional status of the population because of its high antioxidant activity and phenolic compound content.