The Mediterranean Diet: A Path to Empowerment and HealthBUCHAREST, 20 NOVEMBER 2024
- 21 November 2024
- Posted by: Competere
- Categories: Empowering Consumers, events, highlights, News
THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET: A PATH TO EMPOWERMENT AND HEALTH
Bucharest, 20 November 2024
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At the Italian Embassy in Bucharest, Romania, Pietro Paganini joined a distinguished panel to discuss the value of the Mediterranean Diet as an integrated approach to health and well-being. The event featured the presentation of Science and Mediterranean Flavors with the author, Prof. Michele Carruba, alongside contributions from scientists, researchers, officials, and Romanian policymakers.
A key topic of the discussion was the potential introduction of the Nutriscore system in Romania. Supported by commercial interests, particularly from French and German retailers, Nutriscore has faced strong opposition from various Romanian governments, consumer advocacy organizations, and civil society groups. Paganini highlighted the system’s shortcomings, noting that it fails to effectively tackle obesity and brings unintended consequences, such as restricting consumer choice, disadvantaging small local producers, and discouraging a deeper understanding of food and nutrition.
It was emphasized that obesity is a complex, multifactorial challenge that varies greatly among individuals. Simplistic solutions like “traffic light” labeling systems cannot address this complexity. Instead, he proposed an alternative approach centered on empowering consumers: informing, educating, and equipping them with the tools to make informed choices. This is the essence of the Diet of the Mediterranean region.
The Mediterranean lifestyle is not just a culinary tradition but a method that celebrates diversity and fosters balance. Thanks to advancements in science and technology, it can now be adapted through personalized nutrition. Genetics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things provide tools for personalized diets to individual lifestyles and needs.
The event received widespread praise for its focus on empowering citizens to make informed dietary choices rather than imposing one-size-fits-all solutions. The Mediterranean lifestyle is a practical and sustainable strategy to combat obesity and enhance health on a global scale.
