THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET REPRESENTS A TRULY HEALTHY EATING MODEL. RECENT SCIENTIFIC STUDIES AND INITIATIVES, SUCH AS THE EUROPEAN PROJECT “SWITCH TO HEALTH”, THEY SHOW HOW FOLLOWING A PARTICULAR DIET REDUCES THE RISK OF CERTAIN DISEASES AND CANCER, AND ALSO IMPROVES THE HEALTH OF THE GUT MICROBIOTA, OUR “SECOND BRAIN”. THIS DIET MODEL IS ALSO PROMOTED AT SCHOOLS, TO MAKE YOUNG PEOPLE AWARE OF THE BENEFITS OF A HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE DIET.
The health benefits of the bio-Mediterranean diet
A recent study conducted by the University of Rome Tor Vergata highlighted i numerous benefits of one Mediterranean diet organicwhere one is emphasized significant reduction in risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and tumors. Research has shown that such foods a immunomodulatory and detoxifying effectincreasing antioxidant levels, reducing inflammation and lowering cardiovascular risk. The specific health data before and after the diet of two volunteers reflect the general trend: i “good” bacteria (among the Firmicutes)in their gut microbiota, have increased, while i bacteria (among the Bacteroitedes) that promote the inflammatory state are reduced between 5 and 50%. Moreover (unexpected result) they both lost about a kilo of weight during the organic Mediterranean diet.
The “Invent Your Spot” competition to promote the Mediterranean diet in schools
Il go to SWITCH to HEALTH aims to spread the culture of the Mediterranean Diet, involving schools through initiatives such as the regional competition “Find your own place… for proper nutrition”, which took place in Maddaloni (Ce) in recent days. This competition invited students from primary and secondary schools in Campania to create television commercials promoting healthy and sustainable eating habits, inspired by the Mediterranean diet.
The project has a goal strengthening the role of families in the approach to meals thanks to digital applicationsin conviviality and in an effective communication strategy for sustainable and healthy food for families. SWITCHtoHEALTHY implies 18 prestigious organizations – public and private – from eight countries on the two shores of the Mediterranean (Italy, Egypt, Spain, Greece, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey). The project is part of the European PRIMA program and is funded by the European Union.
The sustainability of the bio-Mediterranean diet
In addition to the health benefits, organic and Mediterranean food also offers benefits environmental benefits. The research from the University of Tor Vergata highlighted how an organic diet leads to a reduction in water and carbon footprint. During the month in which participants followed an organic Mediterranean diet, the water footprint decreased from 64,475 liters to 44,705 liters per person, with a saving of approximately 20,000 liters. For comparison: this is the water needed for more than 250 showers. The ecological footprint has also become smallergoing from 40.25 to 38.13 kg of CO₂ equivalent: the same amount of emissions produced by the average monthly operation of an electric oven.
The synergy between the Mediterranean Diet and organic products
Second Maria Grazia Mammucini, President of FederBiothe results of scientific research strengthen the union between two complementary food choices: the Mediterranean Diet and organic products. «It is essential that this research, together with others in recent years, confirms how choosing organic contributes to people’s health and the protection of the environment, in line with the One Health principle» explains Mammucini. The countryside “The organic in us”created by FederBio, AssoBio and Consorzio Il Biologico, aims to promote the value of organic products and raise awareness among citizens. Although Italy leads the world in organic production, there is still a need to strengthen domestic consumption, and shared initiatives like these provide a concrete example of commitment and cooperation.
Nicoletta Maffini, president of AssoBiounderlines the importance of synergy between the associations to raise awareness of organic food, which protects the health of people, livestock and the environment. «The data from the Department of Biomedicine and Prevention show that biological products form the basis of our health. Italy is already a leader in production and exports, but it is necessary to increase internal consumption, which is still limited to 3% of total food production. Disseminating these results could be an essential first step in getting the sector going again», says Maffini.
Massimo Monti, President of the Il Biologico Consortiumreiterates the link between environmental health and human well-being: «Choosing organic food means investing in the health of the planet, an essential element for our own health. The research from the University of Rome Tor Vergata scientifically confirms what we have always believed in: organic has direct positive effects on our health. The Consortium supports organic agriculture and the dissemination of solid and relevant results such as these, together with FederBio and AssoBio, is a natural commitment for us».
The importance of awareness
Progetti comes SWITCHtoHEALTHY, che promoting nutrition education in schoolsare fundamental to making new generations aware of the need for a healthy and sustainable diet. Investing in an organic Mediterranean diet is not only a benefit for your health, but also a responsible choice for the future of our planet.