The Mediterranean Diet is a blend of dietary

The ‘’Mediterranean Diet’’ is a blend of dietary cultures from approximately 14 countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, including Italy, France, Greece, Spain and Portugal.

THREE PRINCIPAL INGREDIENTS The diet is based on high amounts of : WHEAT DERIVATIVES VEGETABLES FRUITS These three types of food are diffused thanks to the typical mild Mediterranean climate which favours its growth. The Mediterranean Diet is very healty. In fact there are some benefits that the Mediterranean-style eating includes, like lower risks of heart disease and cancer, as well as an extended lifespan.

The olive oil Another extremely important ingredient for the Mediterranean Diet is the olive oil. The olive oil is used for seasoning salads, to flavour a variety of foods or to store vegetables in jars. It is also suitable for frying. It is recommended for its wealth of monounsaturated fatty acids and also for the beneficial capacities due to the presence of antioxidants. It also has properties to fight cholesterol.

The Mediterranean Sea is full of swordfishes, anchovies, lobsters, mussels , clams and bluefishes. For this reason, the Mediterranean Diet is wealth of fishes and molluscs. Fishes are among the most healtful elements of the diet The quality of fats and proteins contained in fishes are far superior to that contained in the meat. In addiction, this food provides a very low content of cholesterol, except for crustaceans The fatty acids contained in fish have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health and visual functions.

The Mediterranean diet has been declared intangible heritage of UNESCO in 2010 in Nairobi, Kenya, because it is considered a cultural heritage to be safeguarded