Mediterranean Diet and Health Agency (ASDM): scientific committee

The Mediterranean Diet and Health Agency project has been 100% developed by Alicante’s Chamber of Commerce; its creation was driven by the conviction that the Mediterranean Diet, declared a World Heritage by UNESCO, is strength of our territory currently underexploited.

It is important that our region is not only recognised as “sun and beach” destinations, we must empower our healthy lifestyle, enhance our products especially those with a Denomination of Origin, the quality of our public and private health systems as well as our capability of coexistence and tolerance, because all this is part of a Mediterranean lifestyle.

Adherence of the population to a healthy diet is essential to fight issues such as childhood obesity and chronic diseases as a result of bad habits.

Mediterranean Diet = Healthy life

We want Alicante to become a benchmark and a leader for Mediterranean Diet dissemination and practice around the world.

The central axis of this project is a Scientific Committee, which acts as Think Tank, to generate new ideas and come up with innovative projects.

This Scientific Committee part of Mediterranean Diet and Health Agency (ASDM), is formed by first level academic experts from all over Spain. 

 

 

The project and its derivatives are supported by the Provincial Council of Alicante, which acts not only as an economic reinforcement but also agglutinates local entities.

Recently, the Chamber of Commerce and the Provincial Council of Alicante have merged, Casa Mediterráneo, which is backed by the Spanish Government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs is determined to bet on the Mediterranean Health and Diet Project (ASDM).

 

Mediterranean Diet pyramid: a current lifestyle

The Mediterranean Diet contributes to the prevention of diseases: cardiovascular, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, some types of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. In general it contributes to having a longer life expectancy.

15 tips to follow a Mediterranean lifestyle

Eat breakfast every day (bread, cereals, fruits and dairy)

Use Extra virgin olive oil for cooking and dressing

Eat three pieces of fresh seasonal fruit and moderate the consumption of pastries and sweets

Consume vegetables, legumes and nuts daily

Consume white and blue fish several times a week

Take low in fat dairy on a regular basis

Eat less red meat and sausages, eat poultry and rabbit instead

Drink plenty of water

Enjoy each bite in company

Stay physically active

Sleep at least 8 hours a day

Wine, at meals and in moderation (adults)

Buy seasonal products only (best if organic)

Use healthy culinary techniques

Moderate the use of salt, use spices or aromatic herbs instead

In 2010 the Mediterranean Diet was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the UNESCO.

Article published in No. 47 of Mas que salud, you can consult it in the following link.