Page 2 - Mediterranean DietEng

Mediterranean Diet / Balance Diversity
The Mediterranean Diet is based on the teachings and practices of philosophers and therapists from the period of
antiquity. The diet is based on the use of oil as the main source of fat, and various natural products (honey,
dairy products, vegetables, fruits, legumes, cereals and starchy foods), as a source of sugar, fibre, vitamins and
minerals. Foods of animal origin are consumed in small quantities.
During the last decades, investigations have been made to prove that this ancient diet, the model of the
Mediterranean Diet (Diet) is responsible for the longevity of consumers and the absence of diseases of the
cardiovascular, digestive and immune system.

Greek Extra Virgin Oil
The Greeks were the first to cultivate the tree around 2500 BC for its precious gifts, olives and olive oil. Oil
Remains were found in 4000 years’ pottery in a tomb in Naxos.
The trees are grown from the late Minoan period (1500 BC) in Crete, and perhaps since the beginning of the
period. During the Minoan times, the oil had been the foundation of the Cretan economy. The Minoans also
used olive oil in religious ceremonies. The oil was a major product of the Minoan civilization which represented
wealth and prosperity.
Homer called it "Liquid Gold" and Hippocrates "Great Healer". An olive branch was the gold medal they gave to the
ancient Olympic Games