The products may be similar – but the way of eating is different!

The Cretan diet is not just a list of traditional dishes. It is a cultural asset that encapsulates the island’s history, temperament, natural environment, and the way of life of its people.

On average, Cretans obtained one third of their daily energy intake from olive oil, while their main food staples included wild greens and vegetables, cereals (especially bread), legumes, and fruits. Cheese and meat were consumed in smaller quantities. Meals were seasoned with local aromatic herbs, accompanied by wine, and sweetened naturally with honey or grape molasses (petimezi).

Studies conducted since the 1950s have revealed both the excellent health profile and the remarkable longevity of the Cretan population.

The Rockefeller StudyThe First Findings

The notion that the Cretan diet was something exceptional began to take shape with a study on Crete’s economic and social life conducted by the American Rockefeller Foundation in 1948. Among other findings, the study noted: “Olives and olive oil are a significant part of the Cretan diet. Every visitor gets the impression that Cretan food is practically floating in oil. This product is used abundantly in cooking and plays an important role in salads, soups, and vegetables. The amount of oil consumed by the Cretans is undoubtedly much higher than in other parts of Greece.”

The Seven Countries Study

The Seven Countries Study was launched in the 1950s by American scientist Ancel Keys. It included men aged 40–59, divided into 16 subgroups from seven countries: 2 from Greece, 3 from Italy, 5 from the former Yugoslavia, 2 from Japan, 2 from Finland, 1 from the Netherlands, and 1 from the United States.

As for Greece, one subgroup came from Crete and the other from Corfu.

These populations were monitored over a long period. Researchers studied longevity, mortality from cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and overall mortality.

Results were published after 10 and 15 years. The Cretan population showed overwhelmingly lower mortality rates compared to all other populations – both in terms of cardiovascular diseases and overall mortality, including cancer.

After 15 years, mortality from cardiovascular diseases was found to be 38 deaths in Crete, 202 in Corfu, 242 in the former Yugoslavia, 462 in Italy, and 773 in the United States.

Cancer mortality during the same period was 317 deaths in Crete, 338 in Corfu, 394 in the former Yugoslavia, 622 in Italy, and 384 in the United States. Overall mortality was recorded at 855 deaths in Crete, 1,317 in Corfu, 1,712 in the former Yugoslavia, 1,874 in Italy, and 1,575 in the United States

The population of Japan showed the second-lowest mortality rate from cardiovascular diseases after Crete, with 136 deaths compared to 38 in Crete. However, the Japanese population had a high cancer mortality rate, with 623 deaths—equal to the number recorded in Italy for the same cause.

Table 1 clearly illustrates the vast differences between Crete and the other regions, particularly regarding coronary heart disease.

Table 1: Mortality from Coronary Heart Disease, Cancer, and Overall Causes (15-year results)

  

W.H.O. Study (1987)

Mortality from Coronary Heart Disease and All-Cause Mortality 

 

The Study of Serge Renaud

In an effort to investigate the contribution of the Cretan dietary model to both the prevention and management of coronary heart disease, French physician Serge Renaud conducted a related study on patients who had suffered a myocardial infarction. The study took place in Lyon, France. Renaud divided the patients into two groups, each following a different dietary protocol. One group followed the recommendations of the American Heart Association (a low-fat diet), while the other followed the principles of the Cretan diet. Out of a total of 28 patients, after two years, 8 deaths were recorded in the group that followed the Cretan dietary model, compared to 20 deaths in the group following the low-fat American diet. In other words, the mortality rate in the second group was increased by 70–76%.

Just above the Nida Plateau, the Idaean Cave was a major cult centre of Cretan-born Zeus and was rightly described as the Bethlehem of antiquity. According to the ancient myth, Zeus, transformed into a bull, crossed the Lethaios River and carried Europa to the island of Crete, finally reaching ancient Gortyna. Here lies the Labyrinth, within whose winding corridors the Minotaur once dwelled.

invader. This mythical being is linked to the mountain masses of the TaleaOri Mountains, which extend north of Psiloritis. In the Gerontospilios Cave of Melidoni, Talaios Hermes was worshipped.

Since the time of its earliest habitation, this sacred mountain has shaped the destiny of its people, who were nurtured by myths and who, in turn, created history.