One of the main reasons for Italians staying so healthy is the way they eat. There is the Mediterranean diet itself, fish, fresh vegetables, fruit and the use of olive oil in cooking. Meat is eaten but in smaller quantities.
Olive oil is considered to be a much better choice for your arteries. People who use olive oil tend to have a lower risk factor of both heart attacks and strokes. Another healthy component in the Italian diet is garlic, which lowers the chance of heart disease, lowers blood pressure and helps to prevent strokes. It also is very high in antioxidants and is considered to help in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
Drink well and in moderation! But drink..
Antioxidants in Red wine called polyphenols may help protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. A polyphenol called resveratrol is one substance in red wine that's gotten attention.
Resveratrol might be a key ingredient in red wine that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) and prevents blood clots.
Italians like to eat together !
Most families in Italy eat the family meal together and at the same time. This is a feature that is important for relieving stress in life and assists in promoting a feeling of well-being, affording a sense of comfort to la famiglia.
La salute prima di tutto!—Health is first of all!