Is Italian Food 'Healthy'?

The rush of modern life in Italy is changing everything from the workforce to diet, and that, sure has health officials concerned.

The tradition of multiple course meals and the overall healthy eating habits of Italians are being threatened by the modern convenience of fast food.

A generation ago, most Italian women worked in their homes preparing meals for the rest of the family.

So far still little has changed because the Italians have more or less followed the same traditions learned from their mothers (and some fathers!).

In general, people who live in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea are known to have one of the healthiest diets in the world.

The Italian-Mediterranean diet is a healthy mix of pasta, beans, fruits and vegetables with meats and seafoods, all served in small portions. Although the diet is not low in fat, the principal fat being olive oil, it is linked to lower rates of heart disease. Italians use olive oil rather than butter, and not much double cream.

Italian dishes are healthier, particularly, for instance, pasta with tomato or sauces with sun-dried tomato paste, olive oil and garlic (and pepper).

Italians rarely use fatty sauces and steer clear of deep-fried food.

Italians' diet is based 60% on vegetables and the Italians don't just boil them!.

The Italians take time to eat, they are slow eating properly at table.

A growing fast food trend has prompted government officials in Italy to launch a countrywide health education campaign. In school, Italian children are being taught that their diet is one of the healthiest in the world. Convincing young Italians that popular fast foods are not always the best foods for them is expected to be difficult but definitely it’s worth it.

Dr Giovanni Fiore