Greek Mediterranean Diet

The Greek 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 or 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 absence of heart diseases or diseases of the digestive system.

However, the Greek 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.

Since November 2010, the Mediterranean Diet has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece along with Italy, Spain and Morocco, thus reinforcing it not only as a fundamental part of these countries’ history and background, but also as a great contribution to the world.

Eating Greek & The Cretan Diet

Did you know?

• The word diet comes from the Greek diaeta, a word meaning way of life.
• The traditional Mediterranean diet delivers as much as 40% of total daily calories from fat, yet the associated incidence of cardiovascular diseases is significantly decreased.
• Mediterranean diet increases the amount of "Omega-3 fatty acids," a substance the rest of the developed societies do not get enough of.
• The people of Crete Island are among the longest living in the world. Researchers have linked their longevity to various factors among which, their daily diet.