For the Mediterranean diet, the new food pyramid that makes it easier to follow it every day

The Mediterranean diet is no longer considered only a diet but a real lifestyle which, if adopted since the first years of life, generates numerous beneficial effects on long -term health. The data show, however, that especially among children and teenagers there is a negative adhesion trend for preference towards ready -made foods, sugary drinks and « junk food » which, associated with greater sedentary lifestyle, are significantly increasing the obesity indices. At the 45th National Congress of the Italian Society of Human Nutrition (Sinu)in progress in these days in Salerno, a new one has been presented food pyramidgraphically updated to communicate more effectively to the new generations such as eating well to think of a healthy future.

Studies

« It is widely shown that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with numerous health benefits, primarily the reduction of mortality and the prevention of chronic non -transmissible diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases – he explains Anna Tagliabue, president of the Italian Society of Human Nutrition (Sinu) -. Despite this, we are witnessing poor adhesion to the principles of the Mediterranean diet, especially among the younger generations ». Nshe diet of children and teenagers There is a sub -representation Food of vegetable origin, including fruit and vegetables, of legumes and whole grains and also of milk and dairy products, with the risk of generating nutritional deficiencies over time.

«In particular, in Italy, 9% of children and teenagers say they never eat vegetables, 7% fruit, 26% foods based on whole grains, 14% milk and dairy products, while 47% say they consume more than 3 portions of meat per week – he explains Francesca Scazzina, associate professor of human nutrition of the University of Parma and member of the Sinu Board of Directors -. A study that investigated habits of more than 2000 Italian university students highlights a medium-low adherence of 72%. As well as an investigation that involved more than 800 people representative of the Italian population, with a percentage of 80.4%. While the consumption of some traditional foods is almost completely preserved also nowadays (for example, the consumption of olive oil), the consumption of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, milk and dairy products and legumes is decreasing above all among the younger generations and is not adequate to the guidelines « .

The new graphic representation of the food pyramid

The decision to proceed with an update of the previous versions of the pyramid has been stimulated by new and important scientific evidence on the link between Mediterranean diet and chronic pathologiesas well as from the document FAO-WHO on healthy and sustainable diets and from Eat -Lancet Commission report on sustainable food systems. Two Italian official documents were also considered: Land guidelines for a healthy Italian diet issued by Crea – Food and Nutrition Research Center – Ei Nutrient reference intake levels for the Italian population (Sinu, Larn – V review).

The updated model gives an even greater emphasis to foods of vegetable origin, in particular fruit, vegetables and extra virgin olive oil, together with the promotion of whole grains and legumes, as main nutritional sources. A limited consumption of foods of animal origin is also recommended, in particular that of red and processed meat, of added sugars, salt and alcohol. There is no shortage of references to environmental, cultural and economic issues, to underline that the Mediterranean diet is good for health, is convenient at an economic level and is respectful of cultural traditions.