###### Abstract
The MD cannot be simply described as a list of foods, because it integrates and constitutes a social, cultural, and rural way of living, e.g., sharing and exchanging food for festivities, celebrations, social, and religious purposes [21]. The MD can be described as a dietary pattern that includes all of the food groups with daily consumption of large portions of cereals, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and olive oil (as the primary source of fat) [22; 23]. Consumption of fish, poultry, and eggs is limited to a few portions per week, and the eating of red meat is restricted to once or twice per month [24]. Vegetables and fruits, in particular, provide one-tenth or more of total calories on a daily basis. However, regarding the consumption of vegetables and fruits in the ancient MD, our knowledge is limited and relies on historical records [25]. The key ingredient of the MD is olive oil, which is the main source of fat. Additionally, olive oil and, in particular, extra-virgin olive oil, is a source of the potent antioxidant vitamin E and polyphenols, it has antioxidant and antithrombotic properties, and according to numerous clinical, meta-analysis, and cohort studies it reduces the risk of coronary disease, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease-related mortality, and several types of cancer [26; 27; 28; 29; 30; 31; 32]. Olive oil has been systematically consumed by the Mediterranean inhabitants for thousands of years with no evidence of harm, although it comprises 28% and 40% of energy intake from total fat in southern Italy and Crete, respectively [33]. In addition to the consumption of olive oil, another key element of the traditional MD common to many populations around the Mediterranean basin is the daily consumption of a wide variety of seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables, including underutilized local genetic resources and wild edible plants, which together constitute a rich source of functional food [34; 35]. Although the consumption of wild edible plants and local varieties or landraces is strictly linked to the traditional knowledge and rural lifestyle of the Mediterranean populations, the culinary use of food products from such genetic resources is persistent today and offers new opportunities to rediscover the value of the MD. From this perspective, it is important to examine the role that agroobidiversity played in the traditional MD and to consider how it may continue to play a key role in the modern MD. The relatively recent rapid urbanization in the Mediterranean countries has led to the abandonment of rural life, and the adoption of modern lifestyles and Westernized diets has been followed by increased consumption of meat, animal fats, and dairy products. However, despite these changes, the overall consumption of sugar, meat, and other specific \"harmful\" food products is less frequent among the citizens of Mediterranean countries compared to North Europeans, although significant differences in the degree of adherence to MD are reported among populations of different Mediterranean countries [36]. Considering the important health effects of the MD and the ongoing transitions in consumers' behavior, the present review focuses on updating the knowledge regarding the health effects related to the adherence to this particular diet, its relevance to agroobiodiversity and the sustainable approach of a healthy diet, and, finally, the new marketing opportunities that have emerged. The compiled information was collected from various databases, such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate, after searching for specific terms and keywords, e.g., Mediterranean diet and health effects, and agroobiodivesity.