We all know that the Mediterranean diet is a way of living and that it all started in the Mediterranean Sea. Italy is part of the Mediterranean Sea and the Italian cuisine, Italian foods and recipes are all part, or a subset, of the Mediterranean diet.
Olives and Olive oil is are basic components of the Mediterranean diet and both are listed for daily consumption. Olive oil is used for salads, food dressing and cooking. Olive oil is considered to be healthier than any other oil due to fact that it does not decompose when fried and it is rich of antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acids. The olive tree is therefore considered to be the source of life for the Mediterranean people. In ancient Greece the Olive tree was considered to be a Holly tree.
On May 25th 2012 the people of south Puglia region in Italy will have a festival to celebrate Italy’s Mediterranean diet. It is on this day that they decided to honour the US First lady, Michelle Obama, for her commitment, efforts and dedication to promote a healthy living in the USA. The way that they found to honour the first lady is not only unique but symbolic as well. They will dedicate a 1400 year old olive tree to Michelle Obama. The 7th century olive tree so far known as the ‘’Queen’’ will be dedicated to the first lady to honour her and her work and continuous efforts to promote a healthy living culture in the USA.
oil and olives
It is well known that from her first days in the White House the first lady of the USA has committed herself to the promotion of a healthy living among the people of the USA and has initiated the ‘’Let’s Move’’ campaign for a healthier living. The teachings and promotional guidelines of the ‘’Let’s Move’’ campaign are in synchronization and perfect harmony with the Mediterranean diet.
The US First lady choose the ‘’myplate’’ food icon to depict the way the healthy diet should be understood and followed versus the Mediterranean diet pyramid. It was found that people would understand better the plate representation of the diet instead of a pyramid.
Apart from dedicating the 1400 year old Olive tree to the US First lady, the people of Puglia have committed to send 100 litres of pure extra-virgin Olive oil, which would be produced from the olives of the dedicated tree, to the White House every year.
My accepting this honour Mrs Obama essentially reinforces the ties between her campaign and activities with the Mediterranean Diet thus giving the Mediterranean diet the recognition and status that it deserves.
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