The CIHEAM - Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, in collaboration with the Harokopio University of Athens (HUA), is pleased to announce the summer school “Mediterranean Nutrition and Human Health”.
Greece is one of the seven Member Countries subscribed to the Mediterranean Diet in UNESCO's representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage http://mediterradiet.org/
The Mediterranean Diet is one of the healthiest diets. It is characterized by a nutritional model that has remained constant over time and space, consisting mainly of olive oil, cereals, fresh or dried fruit and vegetables, a moderate amount of fish, dairy and meat, as well as a variety of condiments and spices, all accompanied by wine and infusions. According to research carried out in the last 50 years in parts of the Mediterranean, including Crete and southern Italy, the Mediterranean diet model is responsible for the longevity of its inhabitants and the lower prevalence of heart disease and diseases of the digestive system. However, the Mediterranean diet is not merely a diet, but rather a way of life: it constitutes a set of skills, knowledge and practices, promoting social interaction, since communal meals are the cornerstone of social customs and festive events.
The aim of this summer school is to acquaint people with the health and cultural aspects of the Mediterranean diet. The added value of Mediterranean nutrition, which has recorded a history of around 4,000 years, and the bioactive ingredients of the Mediterranean foods, will be presented. The lecturers will provide tools to evaluate the Mediterranean food habits (med-diet score).
This unique and innovative summer school will include lectures, visits to local producers, and laboratories of culinary techniques to increase the awareness, appeal, and understanding of Mediterranean dietary habits.