HEALTH The health benefits of an Italian diet

Secrets of the Italian figure unmasked


Weight control
Veronica Mannion

When thinking of a country in Europe that has it all, Italy comes to my mind. It is steeped in great beauty from its natural landscapes to its architectural buildings. The food is simple yet delicious, and guaranteed to give you a longing to come back for more.
There is no denying that Italians love their food, but yet they are one of the slimmest nations in Europe. They are less likely to die from cancer or heart disease, and to top it all off, they live longer.
It is thought that Italian people tend to remain slim and healthy mainly because of their diet. So what are they doing that could help us? Their portion sizes tend to be very small. Their food is fresh and natural and many of their dishes use tomatoes, onions, garlic and herbs. They eat very little processed foods; they do not eat readymade meals or takeaways.
Tomatoes used can be fresh, canned, pureed or sieved; they are essential ingredients in Italian cooking. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and provide fibre to help add bulk to the diet, meaning that you feel fuller for longer. They also contain an antioxidant called Lycopene. Research shows that Lycopene reduces the risk of heart disease and several types of cancer, especially prostate cancer. Interestingly, cooked tomatoes are a more concentrated and better absorbed source of Lycopene than fresh.
Onions are also included in most Italian dishes. They know their onions. Onions count towards your five a day and are a good source of fibre. They contain phytochemicals such as Quercetin, which acts as an antioxidant and has been linked to keeping the heart healthy, lessening the pain associated with conditions like arthritis and easing the symptoms of allergies like hay-fever.
Herbs like garlic and pepper are used to flavour; reducing the need for salt. Fish is eaten in large amounts, usually in preference to meat. Olive oil is the main fat and it is consumed in very small amounts for cooking and salad dressings. Red wine is good for your heart when drunk in moderation, and the Italians often enjoy a glass their meals. While meat, eggs and full-fat diary are part of the diet, they are eaten in small amounts.
Finally, when it comes to cooking in Italy, there is no sex or age barrier. Young and old, men and women prepare their own food from scratch daily. Food is understood to be an important part of life – enjoyable to make, enjoyable to eat. Something to be proud of.

Veronica mannion runs EasySlimFitness classes in Westport, Castlebar, Claremorris and Ballina (www.easyslimfitness.com). She can be contacted at 087 2308946 or easyfitveronica@yahoo.com.