Melatonin Enlightens Mediterranean-style Diets

Melatonin, a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland and also available from dietary sources, has been the target of significant research (Kolárˇ and Machácˇková, 2005). Typical food sources of melatonin include grape skins, olive oil, red wine, tomatoes, purslane, and even beer, products that dominate traditional Mediterranean cuisine (Iriti et al., 2010; Simopoulos et al., 2005). Melatonin is also found in tart cherries, walnuts, and many other common fruits and vegetables (Burkhardt et a…