#WorldFoodDay 2019, The Sustainable and Healthy Food Culture in Italy
October 16th is known as #WorldFoodDay! It was made by established food organisations (International Fund for Agricultural Development, the World Food Programme, etc) to bring attention to those who suffer from food hunger in underprivileged areas, and to highlight the importance of maintaining healthy and sustainable diets. Food is essential for humans to live, so World Food Day wants to emphasise how food is a fundamental human right, and that it should be accessible to every single person in the world. Albergo Miramonti, are passionate about Italian cuisine, from the local Valtellina dishes to the unique, locally-grown ingredients in Northern Italy. We also want to make sure that the dishes we serve are healthy and not over-processed like many ‘urbanised’ foods you can find in fast food chains or supermarkets. In this article, we’re going to explain what ‘World Food Day’ is, and why Italy is a great country for healthy and sustainable food.
"OUR ACTIONS ARE OUR FUTURE. HEALTHY DIETS FOR A #ZEROHUNGER WORLD".
Due to rapid globalisation and urbanisation, our diets, the way food is processed and distributed is entirely different compared to a century ago. Though obtaining food is highly convenient now, thanks to the invention of fast food, ready-made meals or refined ingredients have taken a toll on our health. Unhealthy foods are detrimental to our body, influencing a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and even cancers! Therefore, the theme of this year is to focus on creating healthier and more sustainable diets for every single human - including those who are under the poverty line.
Sustainable and Locally-sourced
The Food and Agriculture Organisation headquarters in Rome, Italy, is holding a large scale event that focuses on the food supply. You can find workshops conferences and presentations on various topics that relate to the theme this year. Did you know, Prof. Carlo Alberto Pratesi from Roma Tre University said that the Mediterranean diet is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable? As a Hotel in the Italian Alps, we want to bring attention to the sustainable and healthy food culture in Italy.
Italian ingredients are known to be minimally processed like the ones we use in our Italian Restaurant as the ingredients used are are Locally-Sourced! This is sustainable because it requires fewer fossil fuels and greenhouse gases to be produced and delivered. Therefore, this means less negative environmental impact. This means ingredients such as Casera Cheese, Porcini and even Wines are made and ordered locally. This local food phenomenon can be explained through the heritage and culture of the region.
However, though Italy’s carbon footprint for ingredients is quite minimal in comparison to other countries - improvement is still possible. We are sure that because of globalisation, many foods in Italian supermarkets can have higher carbon footprints.
"HEALTH BENEFITS OF EATING ITALIAN CUISINE"
Common ingredients in Italian cuisine such as olives, tomatoes, nuts, fruits and vegetables greatly benefit the wellbeing of people. These ingredients are filled with healthy fibre, vitamins and oils that help the human body. Furthermore, research has found that Italian cuisine is also full of antioxidants which include; lycopene, beta-carotene, selenium and lutein. Below are some common Italian ingredients that are highly beneficial to our health.
OLIVE OIL
Used widely in Italian cuisine, olive oil helps reduce bad LDL cholesterol and boosts HDL cholesterol.
SEAFOOD
Seafood such as oysters, carp, tuna and mussels and salmon, can help provide the essential omega-3 fatty acids, protein and niacin! Maintaining the health of the heart and cells.
WHOLE GRAINS
When you think of Italy, you think of pasta or risotto! Pasta and rice contain complex carbohydrates that help an individual's metabolism. We have a few recipes to show you! Check out our delicious recipe for Porcini Risotto.
TOMATOES
Like the others in the list, the tomato is a definitive staple in Italian cuisine. Full of vitamin C and K, it helps to nurture your immune system.
Why not stay at Miramonti Boutique Hotel? We are located within the Alps, with a Hotel Spa, relaxing Cigar Lounge and an Italian Restaurant that serves local Valtellina Cuisine.
For more articles about the Italian Alps and Northern Italy, read our blog: