Indian and Mediterranean Traditional Dietetics: An Historical Overview. Traditional Systems of Medicine in India: A Holistic Approach to Health. Principles of Ayurveda for Food, Nutrition, and Health. The Quest for Longevity in Ayurveda: Dietetic and Lifestyle Advice. The Principles of Diet Therapy in the Unani System of Medicine. Traditional Indian Concepts of Nutrition: Toward an Integrative Approach. The Pillars of Western Nutritional Science. Nutrients: The Essence of Life. The Role of Nutraceuticals. The Mediterranean Diet from Ancel Keys to the Present: Epidemiological Studies on Selected Populations and Practical Applications in the Modern Cultural Context. Balancing the Food and the Balanced Food. Healing Influences of Spices. Healing Properties of Food. Conclusion. Crossing Communities and Environments: Rethinking Diets from an Intercultural Perspective. Acknowledgments. Glossary.