La pizza protegge da malattie e da morte, ma attenzione, «vale solo se è prodotta e consumata in Italia».
"The Pizza protects against disease and death, but beware, that only applies if it is produced and consumed in Italy"
In short, this was the result of the research that Silvano Gallus, who works at the Istituto Mario Negri in Milan, carried out and for which he received the IgNobel prize for medicine in 2019. The prize for slightly absurd studies that, incidentally, must meet all the requirements for serious research. So there is no reason to doubt the result. And after all, a little positive reporting cannot hurt during this period.
The Mediterranean diet is known for being healthy, as Italy enthusiasts have known that for a long time. Lots of vegetables, fruit, fish and olive oil. They also know from experience that the location, the presence of a long coastline, the Apennines and the Alps provide a record number of areas with a unique microclimate. And all these differences result in a huge variety of grains, vegetables, fruits of high quality. That is why in Italy you can create a delicious meal from just four ingredients… because let's face it: an Insalata Caprese tastes much better in Italy than in the Netherlands? Or a fragrant melon with a few slices of Prosciutto di Parma?
And then the pizza… not so unhealthy at all, according to the research. But then just come back to Italy to eat it here ...