More on the adoption of a healthy Mediterranean diet – MoreMedDiet

The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet (MD) and its protective effect against chronic diseases have been widely studied by the scientific community. Recent studies associate this dietary pattern with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, cancer and lower mortality and may even strengthen the immune system against COVID 19. In addition, the MD has a great potential to have a low environmental impact in terms of land use, energy needs, water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Despite these benefits, it is well-known that the dietary habits of MED populations have gradually moved away from the traditional MD model. Contemporary eating habits, coupled with a more sedentary lifestyle, have led to an increase in the prevalence of obesity among MD populations. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to improve the adoption of traditional MD food consumption in different population groups by designing nutritious, healthy and attractive low-processing recipes, taking into account consumers’ opinions and ideas. For this, co-creation (CC) sessions will be organised with consumers of all ages (children/youth, adults and seniors) to create the healthiest and most attractive recipes based on the MD philosophy, and sensory testing with expert panels. In addition, to test and evaluate the real effect of the MedDiet recipes, monitoring will be carried out through in vivo and in vitro tests, together with a comprehensive assessment of the physical exercise, lifestyle and eating habits of the target population. To assess the authenticity, quality and safety of the designed recipes, a digital farm-to-fork traceability platform will be developed, based on data collection with rapid, mostly non-destructive tools. In addition, the system will be secured with blockchain systems. Business models will be developed to evaluate the socio-economic impact of the designed MD recipes. At the same time, their components and the actual effect on health will be evaluated, with the ultimate goal of activating mechanisms to engage the population and ensure recognition and adherence to MD. The success of the project lies largely in the number and continuity of the educational and experimental activities designed in the programme. Consistency and continuity throughout the programme will be achieved through timely and repeated contact with affiliated stakeholders and the community. A comprehensive training system will be developed from the early years under a Living Labs (LL) approach, teaching children/youth about the importance of eating a balanced and healthy diet and its positive effect on health. In addition, this education and training will be continued at all ages and advances in knowledge on MD in public nutrition, health policies, strategies and guidelines for consumers, industry and policy makers in collaboration with local and regional authorities will be introduced.