Good news coming from the European Union statistics agency, which has highlighted an interesting and comforting reality: the Italians they are among the longest-lived peoples in Europe. Data relating to healthy life expectancy, i.e healthy life spanplace the Bel Paese among the top positions in the ranking of the Old Continent, with numbers that are pleasing and that also arouse interest among health and wellness experts. All thanks to thediet.
Italian longevity
According to the latest data released by statistical experts, in Italy the donne can expect to live in good health for an average of 67 years and 9 months, while the men they reach 67 years and 2 months. These data place Italy in fourth and third place respectively in the special European ranking, with only two countries ahead: Malta e Sweden. If we consider the global values of healthy life expectancy, Italians are among the first in Europe, a figure that reflects a model of life and nutrition which, according to the numbers, clearly presents more than a few objective advantages.
Mediterranean habits
The Mediterranean dietwidely spread in Italy and recognized internationally, is an element that can partly explain this success. Adopted in most countries in the Mediterranean basin, it is characterized by abundant consumption of fruit, vegetables, legumes, fish, olive oil and a limited quantity of red meat. The adoption of these dietary principles has been associated with numerous health benefits (now widely recognized by the scientific community) including the reduction of the risk of cardiovascular diseases and various chronic pathologies.
The latter is a food choice supported among others by the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health in Harvard, in the United States, which defined the Mediterranean diet as “one of the healthiest eating styles in the world”. Scientific research, on the other hand, shows that those who regularly follow a Mediterranean diet have a lower chance of developing, among other things, type 2 diabetes and other very serious conditions. The consumption of foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats such as those contained in olive oil (but also in dried fruit) and the presence of nutrients that favor the reduction of inflammation, contribute to improving general health and preventing the onset of diseases.
Not just diet
Thinking that it is only food that extends life would probably be an understatement. Among the essential factors that allow you to live longer there are obviously also a series of various other behaviors which, in the long run, contribute in a concrete way to general well-being, both from a physical and mental point of view. The saying a healthy mind in a healthy bodyon the other hand, was not coined by chance.
Evidently, our country (as well as the others at the top of the list of the most deserving) boasts a real 360° lifestyle which promotes a balance between work, family and leisure, and also encourages sustainability. Beyond the theme of longevity per se, to conclude, another important aspect should not be underestimated from this perspective: the quality of life.
