According to Bloomberg Global Health Index 2023 data, Italy is the second most healthy country in the world. The average life expectancy in Italy is 85 in women and 80 years for men. So what’s the secret of Italy?
What is the secret that the Italians have long life?
Italians also draw attention both with long life spacies and low chronic disease rates. So what’s behind the Italians have such high health level and long life? Here is the secret of the long life of Italy, which is the second most healthy country in the world …
Mediterranean diet: the basis of long life
The Mediterranean diet is the basis of the Italians’ lifestyle. The Mediterranean diet diet was declared in 2010 by UNESCO.
According to the predledted study by the New England Journal of Medicine, The risk of heart attacks in the Mediterranean diet decreases up to 30 %.
Among the highly prominent foods in the Mediterranean diet; olive oil, vegetable-fruits weighted nutrition, fresh fish and seafood, whole grains, small amounts of red meat.
Active lifestyle extends life
In Italy, it is much more common to walk to public transportation. City planning, narrow streets and historical textures limit the use of cars, promoting walking. Italians are taking between 8 thousand and 10 thousand steps a day. Although many Italian daily life cannot devote space to sports, long walks support the active lifestyle.
Walking habit; It supports cardiovascular health, reduces the risk of diabetes and obesity and improves mood.
According to WHO data, Walking for 30 minutes a day can extend the life span for 3-4 years.
Slow and conscious consumption
Eating in Italy is not only a need, it is seen as an art of life. There is almost no habit of eating fast. On the other hand, fast food culture in Italy is almost non -existent. Instead of ready -made meals, homemade meals are more common. In Italy, food is eaten with family or friends, with a chat, without hurry.
Eating slowly; Better digestion, It provides low calorie intake and good food absorption.
According to American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Eating slowly can reduce the risk of obesity by 42 %.
The culture of coping with stress
For the Italians, the philosophy of “La Dolce Vita”, that is, “sweet life” is very important. Enjoying life, the culture of living without hurry reduces stress levels. Work-life balance is established in Italy. Italians’ dinner is absolutely long and enjoyable. In Italy, short breaks are common during the day with the “Pausa” culture.
According to Journal of Aging and Health, Life expectancy is longer in societies with low stress levels.
Unqualified and local product consumption
There are almost no ready and processed products in Italian cuisine. On the other hand, shopping is made from local markets rather than supermarkets in Italy. Vegetables, fruits and dairy products are consumed in the season and locally.
According to European Food Information Council, Italy has the lowest rate in Europe in processed food consumption.
Health System and Preventive Medicine
Italy’s health system is considered one of the most successful systems by the World Health Organization (WHO). State -supported health services in Italy are free or costly. On the other hand, cancer screening, cardiovascular controls and preventive medicine applications in Italy are common. The family physician system works very effectively.
