The Greek Diet Goes To US Congress

Photo source: olivenews.gr

The culinary team that presented the Greek Mediterranean diet’s “secrets” to good health and great flavor. Photo source:New Greek TV

The Greek Diet’s beneficial impact to health was presented recently at a special event at the United States Congress in Washington.

The event, organized by the Embassy of Greece in Washington in collaboration with US Representatives Joseph Crowley, Gus Bilirakis and Caroline Maloney, aimed to promote stronger trade relations in healthy food products between the United States and Greece.

“The Omega Diet” author Dr. Artemis Simopoulos and Greek-American professional chef Cat Cora presented the Greek Mediterranean diet’s “secrets” to good health and great flavor with a selected culinary team that included Greek and American chefs and health experts (Maria Loi, Diane Kochilas, Argiro Barbarigou, Michael Costa, Mike Isabella, George Pagonis and Katerina Stai).

Unique Greek recipes were introduced to American Congressmen, academics, journalists, diplomats and members of the social and business elite of Washington.

Greek products, already available on the American market such as olive oil, Chios mastic and Greek wines, were also sampled.

The Greek Diet

The Greek Diet has been inscribed on UNESCO’s representative list of the “Intagible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” recognized on 17 November 17 2010, as part of the Mediterranean Diet, but also “as a great contribution to the World, for the population’s  health, quality of life and well being.”

The critical ingredients of the Greek diet include olive oil – dubbed the “natural salad dressing” – and whole grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy products (principally cheese and yogurt), seafood and more white meat than red.

Combined with an active life style, the traditional Greek diet promotes longevity, boosts the immune system, and reduces the likelihood of obesity and chronic diseases.