My first Magazine Abstract book 9_08_2017 | Page 51

Lara Saftić mag.pharm.inv Department of biotechnology; Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka; HR [email protected] mag.nutr Željka Peršurić Department of biotechnology Rijeka; HR [email protected] dr.sc. Sandra Kraljević Pavelić Department of biotechnology Rijeka; HR [email protected] SECRETS OF MEDITERRANEAN DIET Research has shown a significant benefit upon adoption of the Mediterranean diets and lifestyle elements in everyday life. Consumption of the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle concept is associated with longer life span and lower coronary diseases incidence. Therefore, Mediterranean diet can be recently found even in hospital menus. The secret of its success is in low saturated fatty acids content of the consumed food that is rich in good unsaturated fatty acids, fibres and phytochemicals. However, every Mediterranean country has its own Mediterranean diet characteristics. Croatian Mediterranean diet is consisted of high intake of olive oils, fish, local fruits and vegetables. Olive oil, known as "liquid gold", is among most commonly used fats in the Mediterranean region. It's benefits on induvial health are due to high content of monounsaturated oleic fatty acid. High phenolic content in olive oil, but also in fruits and herbs that are used every day in the Mediterranean diet, contribute to the health as well. Also, intake of food has traditionally accompanied by a glass of red wine that is a rich source of polyphenols as well. Typical desserts consumed within the Mediterranean diet are based on fruits, and the sweetener was often honey. Another bee product propolis is often used as antioxidants and immunomodulatory product with proven antibacterial and antifungal properties. All these Mediterranean diet benefits have been acknowledged by the scientific community as well and this diet is nowadays often used as gold nutritional standard and is synonymous for a desirable way of life. Keywords: Mediterranean diet, Olive Oil, Propolis, Polyphenols Congress Topics: Connecting, Sharing and Learning in Nursing 49 |