“I wonder if many people feel that they can ignore their health for decades in the expectation that the NHS will be there to bail them out when they get into trouble.”
One thing that professionals seem to agree on is the fact that Italians are far healthier due to their diets matching the guidelines for healthy eating laid down by experts.
For example, portion sizes tend to be smaller and the diet traditionally features lots of fresh, natural foods and few processed ones. The diet, referred to as the Mediterranean diet, clings to the consumption of fruit, vegetables, bread, pasta, rice, beans, and nuts; fish is preferred to meat (Naples is known for its seafood, for example).
Olive oil is the main fat consumed, and is also used as a salad dressing. Salt is used, but herbs, garlic and black pepper are more usual. Small amounts of red wine are drunk with meals. Meat, eggs and full-fat dairy products are usually only eaten in small amounts.
Dining and Cooking