As part of the IX edition of the Italian Cuisine Week Worldwide, the Canary Islands became a hub for discussions on nutrition and quality of life. This year, the central theme of the event was the Mediterranean diet, with a special focus on its role in promoting longevity and health. A special guest at the event was Dr. Marianna Rizzo, a renowned nutritionist and key figure in the CIAO Study (Cilento Initiative on Aging Outcomes), a research project dedicated to longevity in Cilento.
“Cilento is one of the emblematic regions of the Mediterranean diet,” Dr. Rizzo explained during her presentation in Tenerife. “It is one of the exemplary communities selected by UNESCO to preserve and promote this dietary model, which is not just a diet but a complete lifestyle.”
The Mediterranean diet was first studied in the 1950s by American scientist Ancel Keys, who spent 40 years in Cilento. “Keys not only demonstrated the correlation between diet and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, but he also lived to nearly 101 years old, embodying the benefits of this lifestyle.”
The Italian Cuisine Week Worldwide also provided an opportunity to discuss a unique project: the comparison between Cilento’s Mediterranean diet and Swedish eating habits. “We invited a group of Swedes to live in Cilento for a week, adopting our lifestyle,” explained Dr. Rizzo. “We replaced butter with extra virgin olive oil and introduced a diet rich in legumes, vegetables, and fruits. The results were remarkable: in just six days, we observed positive changes in blood metabolites and microbiome balance.”
Although not directly involved in the research, the Canary Islands offered an ideal platform to promote the Mediterranean diet. During the event, Cilento National Park sent a selection of typical products to showcase the excellence of this region. Dr. Rizzo also emphasized the importance of spreading the Mediterranean model while adapting it to different local realities.
In her presentation, Dr. Rizzo explained how the benefits of the Mediterranean diet can be tangible in a relatively short period. “In just six days, significant changes can be observed at the cellular level. After three to six months of adopting the Mediterranean model, improvements in weight, blood test results, and overall health are recorded.”
The future of the research includes an additional phase, where products from Cilento will be introduced to Sweden to monitor their long-term effects. “We want to demonstrate that lifestyle and nutrition have a universal impact on longevity, regardless of geographic context.”
The IX edition of the Italian Cuisine Week Worldwide confirmed itself as a unique opportunity to promote Italian gastronomic heritage. Thanks to the participation of Dr. Marianna Rizzo, Tenerife delved into the role of the Mediterranean diet as a universal wellness tool, capable of uniting diverse cultures in the pursuit of a longer and better-quality life.