Culture Presentation

Nutrition 237

Sarah Churchill, Lesley Fisher and Tava Sternberg

Greece

Total Population: 11,319,048

Dominant Religion: Eastern Orthodox Christianity

Predominant Language: Modern Greek (Demotike)

Politics: Parliamentary republic

Education: Free for children 6-15

Currency: Adopted the euro (€) in January 2002

Economy: Tourism accounts for 79% GDP

Background Facts:

- Getting plenty of exercise

- Eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts

- Replacing butter with healthy fats such as olive oil and canola oil

- Using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods

- Limiting red meat to no more than a few times a month

- Eating fish and poultry at least twice a week

- Drinking red wine in moderation (optional)

The diet also recognizes the importance of enjoying meals with family and friends

The Mediterranean Diet

Benefits of the

Mediterranean Diet

Lower risk of developing

type 2 diabetes

More effective for weight loss than a low-

fat diet

Provides thousands of micronutrient

s, antioxidants, vitamins, and

minerals

Can help protect against

cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s

disease, among other

conditions

Not just about food and

wine; it also includes regular physical activity

Synergy between all the foods that

leads to the health

benefits

The Journal of the American Medical Association found that seniors who led a

healthy lifestyle  --  defined as not smoking, eating a Mediterranean-type diet, drinking alcohol in moderation, and engaging in 30

minutes of daily physical activity -- significantly increased their life expectancy

Studies show the Mediterranean

diet's protective effect against

obesity and type 2 diabetes is  likely

due to its high proportion of plant

foods, fish, and olive oil, along with

moderate consumption of

alcohol

Obesity is especially acute in Mediterranean countries, underscoring concerns that people in the southern region are turning away from the traditional diet of fish, fruits and vegetables to fast food high in fat and refined carbohydrates.

In Greece, 38 percent of women are obese, compared with 34 percent in the United States, the group said.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/24/world/europe/24diet.html?pagewanted=all

Obesity in Greece

Risk Factors Risk Factors Total DALYs* %

Tobacco 12.2

Blood Pressure 10.9

Alcohol 9.2

Cholesterol 7.6

Overweight 7.4

Low fruit/vegetable intake 3.9

Physical inactivity 3.3

Illicit drugs 1.8

Unsafe sex 0.8

Iron deficiency 0.7

As populations migrate and become more urban, there are increases in the number of urban poor whose housing, employment conditions and diet expose them to greater risk of illness and disease*Disability-adjusted life-year

Ten leading selected risk factors as causes of disease burden measured in DALYs

1. Stroke2. Coronary Heart Disease3. Lung Cancer*4. Upper Respiratory5. Colon-Rectum Cancers15. Hypertension16. Diabetes Millitus

*Smoking prevalence among adult men and women is very high in Greece. The death rate from lung cancer is above the Eur-A average, and the estimated lung cancer incidence among Greek men is among the highest in Eur-A.

Leading Causes of Death:

Prevalence (%) ± s.e. of underweight in 8- to 9-year-old children from 1997 to 2007

Prevalence (%) ± s.e. of obesity in 8- to 9-year-old children from 1997 to 2007.

•The Greek Ministry of education distributes coupons for free lunch•Neighborhoods hardest hit by the economic crisis and unemployment•Vouchers can be exchanged for milk, biscuits, cereals, fruit and snacks in schools• The education budget has been reduced by 60% this year •The project will be financed with the collaboration of the Church and private companies•Since the beginning of the school year were referred four cases of fainting (starvation)

Food Stamps To Combat Malnutrition For Students

Communication Styles- Speak loudly with a lot of emotion- Direct eye contact is expected and can be stronger than other

cultures- Greeks tend to stand closer (standing too far away exudes an

untrustworthiness)- Greeks don’t put as much emphasis on time and schedule  

Greek-Americans Culture- Greeks are tight-knit with their family and community; they make huge meals

(with massive portions) as a sign of hospitality- More traditional foods, which take longer to prepare are now reserved for

holidays- Food has been Americanized

What is now known as “Greek” food in the US?- Gyro- Pastitsio- Baklava- Mousaka  Problem with Americanization?- As they Americanize their diet, they have a higher risk of CHD and other “western” health problems

Greek Influence in American Culture: Greek yogurtGreek Yogurt Plain Yogurt

5.3 ounces, nonfat, plain 6 ounces, nonfat, plain

Calories: 80 Calories: 80

Total Ft: 0 grams Total fat: 0 grams

Cholesterol: 10 milligrams Cholesterol 5 milligrams

Sodium: 50 milligrams Sodium: 120 milligrams

Sugar: 6 grams Sugar: 12 grams

Protein: 15 grams Protein: 9 grams

Calcium: 15 percent on a Calcium: 30 percent on a

Based on 2,000-calorie diet Based on a 2,000-calorie diet

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7197750/ns/health-fitness/t/more-european-men-getting-supersized/#.TrmdHa7Ad7M

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mediterranean-diet/CL00011

Eleven-year Prevalence Trends of Obesity in Greek Children: First Evidence that Prevalence of Obesity Is Leveling Off Obesity (2010) 18 1, 161–166. doi:10.1038/oby.2009.188

http://www.culturecrossing.net/basics_business_student.php?id=82

Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet:http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/benefits-mediterranean-diet

http://www.deltaworld.org/international/Athens-will-give-food-stamps-in-schools-to-combat-malnutrition-in-children/