The Italian Lifestyle
Why do Italians often rank among the worlds longest-living people? Having spent some lovely time there, I’ve shared my musings about this in the past. But after my recent post about ‘aging gracefully’ I wanted to share my thoughts again in the hopes that many of you will read and perhaps adapt some of their lifestyle because it’s not only about what they eat and drink…it’s also about how they live. Yes, they do eat whole food prepared with fresh ingredients instead of the processed junk so many Americans consume. But they also eat their meals differently. They eat slowly, reducing stress, improving digestion and avoiding overeating. They stay healthier and thinner even though they eat carbs without guilt, including daily pasta and bread, but their portions are smaller. Heavy cream and butter sauces are rare. Other than maybe an afternoon espresso, they also don’t snack between meals. Cultural taboos mean Italians rarely graze on chips or fast food rather, they wait for structured mealtimes where food is savored as a social event. Meals are long, relaxed and communal rather than eaten in a rush, which naturally prevents overeating. Stories and laughter are shared while enjoying each other’s company. They drink red wine in moderation, often locally produced without sulfites, which improves their heart health. Italian red wine is considered healthy in moderation because it contains high levels of antioxidants called polyphenols, especially resveratrol, which come from the skins of dark Italian grapes. It’s a natural plant compound that helps protect blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and prevent blood clot damage. They walk everywhere…movement is built into their daily lives, not the gym. They naturally walk or bike for daily errands, shopping, and socializing enjoying sunlight regularly, keeping vitamin D levels high. Their after dinner ‘passeggiata’ or stroll, is a routine part of their culture. No one is necessarily going anywhere….they are just out to chat, gossip and be with others. Young people gather together often times dressing up for the occasion and grandparents walk hand in hand and maybe share a gelato. Studies show these strong social connections increases longevity significantly. They value family time, which lowers anxiety and keeps emotional health strong. EVOO – A few comments about this. The first time I had freshly, cold pressed olive oil the scent I experienced was that of cut grass and I was quite surprised by how spicy it was. I learned that this is a completely natural sensory attribute known in the olive oil industry as pungency. Far from being a flaw, this peppery kick is a direct indicator of freshness, qualityand high antioxidant content. The tingling or burning sensation is caused by polyphenols, which are powerful, naturally occurring organic compounds and antioxidants found in fresh olives. Specifically, a phenol called oleocanthal is responsible for the unique bite at the back of your throat. When you swallow pure EVOO and it makes you cough (often referred to by enthusiasts as a “one-cough” or “two-cough” oil), you are feeling oleocanthal interacting with the specific sensory receptors located in your throat. This reaction can be felt as long as 10 to 20 seconds after tasting. As their primary fat, olive oil helps protect both the heart and brain. So, there you have it. It’s hard to deny that, in combination, these lifestyle habits do lead to a longer, more stress-free life. Certainly in my line of work, embracing these practices can sometimes be a challenge, but I have come to learn that the rewards are well worth the effort. I continue to mimic the Italian lifestyle in as many was possible and urge you to try and do the same and find out how it makes you feel, both physically and emotionally. Ciao David & Tino First Morning at Casa St. Angelo
