"EAT ITALIAN. LIVE LONGER."

According to a new study, this motto holds more truth than one may think. The New England Journal of Medicine impressed the world with its latest findings in "Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet." Funded by the Spanish governments's Instituto de Salud Carlos III, researchers concluded, after years of follow up with over 7,000 participants, that the Mediterranean diet significantly decreased the incidence of major cardiovascular issues.

While it's not like we needed another reason to incorporate tasty Mediterranean foods into our diet every day, we now have more proof that we should continue to enjoy the foods we love best. According to the study, approximately 30 percent of deaths due to heart disease can be prevented by exchanging your typical American diet (burgers and fries abound) for a diet rich with good fats, like olive oil and nuts, along with fish, poultry, beans, veggies and fruit. The study even encourages a glass of wine with your meals.

ONE CANNOLLI AT A TIME, PLEASE

Along with what people should be eating, The New England Journal of Medicine study defines what foods were permitted, but only in moderation, for the duration of the experiment (about five years): fatty dairy, overprocessed meats and grains, red meat and sugary treats. This doesn't mean these foods are necessarily off-limits; it just means you need to watch how much and how often you indulge.

Overall, this new research data provides us with renewed inspiration to continue offering only the best of Italy: olive oils, pastas, pasta sauces, tomatoes, peppers, Olives & Antipasti, beans, vinegars and more.
(Source: Delallo)