Mediterranean diet feted, studied at Naples conference

A conference on the Mediterranean diet starts Saturday in the town of Vico Equense near Naples. The Convivio Mediterraneo conference - devoted to the diet recognized by UNESCO as part of the "intangible cultural heritage of Italy, Greece, Spain and Morocco" - is included in the culture ministry's series of events called "Italy, Europe's Treasure". The event, held at the church of the Holy Trinity and Paradise, aims to promote the health, environmental and cultural benefits of the Mediterranean diet. The diet's characteristics include high amounts of olive oil, legumes, unrefined cereals, fruits and vegetables, with moderate amounts of dairy, fish and wine, and low amounts of meat.