“The Mediterranean Diet is more than a diet, it is a way of living that values ​​fresh, local and traditional foods, in which wine drunk in moderation integrates into this way of life”, highlighted José Manuel Fernandes.

In the message, transmitted in the auditorium of the Central Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDRC), the government official considered that, since 2010, with the recognition of the Mediterranean Diet as a Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, “the moderate consumption of wine has gained even more relevance, being valued as part of a healthy lifestyle”.

For the holder of the Agriculture and Fisheries portfolio, the Mediterranean diet is not just about food, it is also “a cultural element that provides social interaction and a cornerstone of the social customs and celebrations” of the people.

“It is also knowledge, tradition, heritage, sharing and celebration – toasting with a glass of wine in a responsible way is part of our identity as people of the European Union and this region”, reiterated José Manuel Fernandes, who also called for moderate consumption of meat, fish and dairy products.

The government official associated the Mediterranean Diet with a better quality of life, especially in terms of mental health, and that its concept presents itself as “an excellent model of sustainability” for the national territory.

Highlighting that the Portuguese agricultural sector is the basis of the Mediterranean Diet, José Manuel Fernandes highlighted that crops such as “vines and wine, olive groves and olive oil, fruits and vegetables, are examples of strategic capacity, dynamics, economic investment, innovation, technological capacity and environmental sustainability”.

“Just like agriculture, the Mediterranean Diet is culture, heritage, tradition, moderation and balance, being the one that has the best balance in health indices and is a UNESCO heritage site”, maintained the minister.

Bread, olive oil and wine are three of the main ingredients of the Mediterranean diet, which points to the high consumption of vegetable products to the detriment of the consumption of food products of animal origin.