From 23 to 29 November 2020, we are celebrating the fifth Week of Italian Cuisine in the World (Settimana della Cucina Italiana nel Mondo). The star of this edition is the Mediterranean diet post-COVID, which is seen as the best diet to stay healthy and stop yourself from getting ill.
The 2020 edition – “Knowledge and flavours of Italy, 200 years since the birth of Pellegrino Artusi” – celebrates the bicentenary of the birth of the man considered the father of Italian home cooking. It is a good chance to delve deeper into the subject of a healthy diet, with the Mediterranean version representing the best nutritional model.
The Mediterranean diet was created and developed as a dietary system in the 1950s, drawing inspiration from the dietary models found in the countries overlooking the Mediterranean, such as Italy, Greece, Spain and Morocco. Many international studies conducted in the second half of the last century have shown the close correlation between the type of food eaten by these people and their longer life expectancy, therefore helping promote the value of this diet all around the world. More recently, further proof of its importance has come from its inclusion on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010, a recognition which will mark its tenth anniversary this year.
The cornerstones of the Mediterranean diet include eating a large amount of fresh fruit and vegetables, a good amount of pulses, whole grains and potatoes, and using extra virgin olive oil, which is considered the main condiment in this diet. Huge attention is paid to the seasonal and regional nature of foods, factors that can help promote a sustainable food system and protect biodiversity. But what are the benefits that make it so famous and popular among the scientific community all around the world? Let’s have a look at a few examples.
It prevents cardiovascular diseases. Eating unsaturated and vegetable fats helps lower “bad” cholesterol, with countless benefits for your cardiovascular system.
It lowers the risk of getting cancer. The antioxidant properties of many foods recommended by the Mediterranean diet have a positive effect on preventing certain types of cancer.
It improves liver and kidney functions. The plant-based proteins found in many of the foods featured in this diet help lighten the workload of your liver and kidneys, therefore helping get rid of any harmful toxins for your body.
It optimises intestinal functions. The high fibre content, which vegetables are particularly rich in, helps with bowel movements and improves the quality of bacterial flora.
It helps stabilise your weight. The Mediterranean diet ensures the right balance between your calorie intake through food and your individual energy requirement, therefore helping maintain the healthy body weight.
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