A Comparison of the Mediterranean Diet and Current Food Patterns in Italy: A Life Cycle Thinking Approach for a Sustainable Consumption

Abstract

The transition toward more sustainable food systems, which already represents a central element of the European Farm to Fork and Green Deal strategies, could be an effective measure to contribute to global decarbonization and greenhouse gas (GHGs) reduction goals; concurrently, it could improve the health status and nutrition of the global population. In this context, the Mediterranean diet (MD) could play a considerable role, as it is generally recognized as a more balanced, healthy, and sustainable eating pattern than Western consumption patterns, which are characterized by excess food and high energy content, thus causing undesirable effects on both human health and the environment. Although traditionally linked to MD, Italy sees relatively moderate adherence by its citizens, as they consume about +75% of the daily caloric intake recommended by MD. Therefore, this study aims to quantitatively assess the potential environmental, economic, and health impacts of this lower adherence to MD by Italians. Current Italian Food Patterns (CIFP) in 2019 were analyzed and compared to the MD recommended amounts through a Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) approach (LCA) and carbon footprint (CF) analysis. The results show that CIFP, compared to MD, has +133% greater impacts on the environmental macro-area, +100% greater impacts on the human health macro-area, and +59% greater impacts on the economic macro-area (with annual fossil and mineral resource savings of $53.35 per person, $3.2 billion per year). The analysis also shows that CIFP has a CF of 6.54 × 101 kg CO2 eq, +142% over MD (2.7 × 101 kg CO2 eq), resulting in a lower environmental impact of the Mediterranean diet.

Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and its main determinants in a sample of Italian adults: results from the ARIANNA cross-sectional survey

“…In terms of health benefits, the adherence to the Mediterranean pattern is able to prevent several chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the “triple burden” of malnutrition, reduce mortality from all causes, and promote longevity ( 14 , 15 ). The MD has a low environmental impact, according to use of natural resources (water, soil, and energy) and greenhouse gas emissions, because of the higher intake of plant-based foods ( 13 , 16 ). In addition, from an economic point of view, it contributes to reducing health expenditure due to the health benefits and prevention of NCDs; enhances the value of the territory and local products by promoting the empowerment of their producers; and helps reduce food waste by being based on frugality ( 13 , 14 ).…”

A Multimethodological Approach for the Valorization of “Senatore Cappelli” Wheat Milling By-Products as a Source of Bioactive Compounds and Nutraceutical Activity

“…The study evaluated the sustainability assessment of wheat by-products, which account for 17–20% of the total production, through the application of the life cycle assessment methodology in accordance with ISO 14040, 2006 and ISO 14044, 2006 [ 1 ]. SimaPro v9.2.2., software was used for the evaluation of environmental impacts.…”

“…Among cereals, durum wheat ( Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum ) has a core role in the Italian diet and in the national economy, thus resulting in a production ranging between 3850 and 3900 million tons in 2021, with an increase of around +1.5% over 2020 [ 1 ].…”

Nutrition and thyroid disease

“…Of special note, adherence to a Mediterranean diet with less consumption of red meat can have multiple positive effects not only on public health but also can additionally contribute to the transition toward more sustainable food systems as well as to lessening the impact of greenhouse gases [46].…”