Herrero participated in the inauguration of the XIII International Congress of the Mediterranean Diet, which is being held from today to tomorrow within the framework of the International Food and Beverage Fair 2022, in Barcelona, and of which he pointed out that it will allow to share and know all the scientific work of the different groups dedicated to the study of the nutritional properties of this healthy and sustainable food.
The Director General explained that our agri-food system “generates wealth and territorial cohesion and is part of our lives and our history, and that is why we are on a mission to preserve it”. He appealed to the responsibility of public institutions in this task and highlighted the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to the Mediterranean Diet Foundation to explain and defend this intangible heritage. Likewise, Herrero underlined the important role that young chefs must play as prescribers of healthy foods and the Mediterranean diet.
The Mediterranean diet is a way of life that combines a diet linked to traditional foods and fresh products, as well as the practice of moderate physical activity on a daily basis. It is a way of life, healthy and recognized throughout the world, which was recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) a 10 years.
The Congress of the Mediterranean Diet has been held every two years since 1996 and brings together academic personalities, scientists and institutions from different countries to discuss the nutritional, anthropological and cultural aspects of the Mediterranean Diet, an ancient heritage shared by the populations of the Mediterranean Basin. . .
In this edition, the latest advances and discoveries on the benefits brought by the combination of a balanced diet and moderate physical activity, two fundamental elements of this traditional way of life, will be shared.
The current Mediterranean diet pyramid reflects a dietary pattern for the healthy adult population. But based on the experience of almost 20 years in the dissemination and promotion of its benefits, it is necessary to revalidate the nutritional values of the pyramid, taking into account the latest scientific evidence, and to introduce the concept of sustainability in the food model. .