Mediterranean diet adopted as a lifestyle choice, not just a culinary preference
Mediterranean Diet Thrives in the Heart of Marche Region: Montegiorgio
The Mediterranean diet, renowned for its health benefits and cultural significance, has deep roots in the Marche region, particularly in the charming town of Montegiorgio. This traditional diet, characterized by its emphasis on plant-based foods, olive oil, and moderate consumption of fish and poultry, reflects the local agricultural products and culinary traditions shaped by centuries of Mediterranean culture.
Montegiorgio, nestled in the Marche region, gained international attention in the 1960s when it became the site of the Seven Countries Study. This landmark research, conducted by internationally renowned doctors, researchers, and scientists, was fundamental in defining the Mediterranean diet. In Montegiorgio, 719 men were examined, and 29 families were selected for a detailed examination of their food consumption. The examinations continued until 1991.
Today, the Mediterranean diet is more than just a diet—it's a lifestyle. The Marche Region, known as the land of well-being, has shown sensitivity towards this diet, promoting it as a model of behaviour for environmental respect, healthy eating, community building, and tradition.
In an effort to instil a love for this diet from an early age, food education for children in kindergarten is being promoted. Children are being taught to enjoy legumes and whole grains, eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables in season, and balance their food plan with proteins from meat, fish, dairy products, and eggs.
The Regional Well-being Law n. 23/2023 is an initiative by the Marche Region to encourage healthy lifestyles, strengthen social bonds, and promote the Marche as a region of quality of life. Under this law, the Mediterranean diet is being promoted as a model for prevention of unhealthy lifestyles from an early age.
Honey, another local product, is emphasized for its contribution to the protection of local agroforestry resources and maintenance of biodiversity. Unifloral honey, in particular, contributes to the preservation of local flora and fauna by linking nature, daily diet, knowledge of wild herbs, and melliferous plants.
Extra virgin olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, is also a product focused on for food education and correct lifestyles due to its benefits for cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory properties, and role in preventing chronic diseases. Consuming food products in the period they are harvested offers a higher quantity of vitamins than greenhouse or imported fruit and vegetables.
Current initiatives in Marche and likely Montegiorgio involve promoting local and organic produce, educational programs on healthy eating, and supporting agri-tourism focused on Mediterranean diet experiences. These may be part of regional or EU-supported gastronomic and sustainability projects aiming to preserve diet heritage and promote economic development.
The Mediterranean diet, recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO in 2010, continues to thrive in the Marche region, with Montegiorgio at its heart. For the latest detailed or official initiatives specific to Montegiorgio, I recommend contacting local food councils, Marche tourism offices, or regional agricultural departments.
- The Mediterranean diet, thriving in the heart of Montegiorgio, is not only a traditional diet but also a model for environmental respect, healthy eating, community building, and tradition in the Marche Region.
- Today, food education for children in kindergartens in the Marche Region encourages them to appreciate the Mediterranean diet, including its emphasis on plant-based foods, whole grains, and balanced protein intake.
- In line with the Regional Well-being Law n. 23/2023, the Mediterranean diet is being promoted in Marche as a model for preventing unhealthy lifestyles and instilling healthy diet habits from an early age.
- Extra virgin olive oil, a key component of the Mediterranean diet, is highlighted for its health benefits such as cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory properties, and role in preventing chronic diseases, making it a focus of food education and sustainable lifestyles in the Marche Region.
