THE 7-NATION STUDY
In 1977 a US Senate Expert Committee developed a nutritional model that proposes a healthy diet ideal that can promote a real health prevention action. This model is surprisingly similar to a certain way of eating that was typical in our country in the 1950s.
In those years, scientist Ancel Keys compared the findings of a study on seven countries in the world. The research project was called “Seven Countries Study” and showed that in the populations of the Mediterranean area the mortality rate for ischemic heart disease (infarction) was the lowest.
EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
IN THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET
The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a high consumption of cereals, legumes, fruits, fish, vegetables and predominant use, when seasoning, of extra-virgin olive oil. The latter is one of the richest products in terms of natural antioxidants, acting against the harmful action of free radicals and slowing down the aging process of our cells.
It is also rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which play a key role in the prevention of diseases such as arteriosclerosis, cholesterol and cardiopathic disorders.
EATING WELL SO AS TO LIVE WELL
Not only is it good for one’s mood and body, it is a unique opportunity for conviviality and sharing. It is useless to deny it: food has always been synonymous with well-being, friendship, power, and identity.
History teaches that political agreements are made at table, which, thanks to the food, outline national identities and that even in religion and eating means purification and redemption.
Philosopher Ludwig Feuerbach said “Foods become blood, heart, and brain; when it comes to thoughts and feelings. If you want to improve the people, give them better nutrition. Man is what he eats.”
