Mediterranean Diet = Live Longer

So for a country that pretty much smokes more than most, earns less, and has one of the worst economies, you would think they aren't bound to live very long.

But, according to the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) in Seattle, Italians live an average of 3.5 years longer than Americans and 18 months longer than the British. When compared to 20 other countries, Italy ranked 2nd in health and life expectancy, beaten only by Spain.

The average life of an Italian man is 79 years old, while the average life of an Italian woman is 84 years old. My own Italian grandfather is over 90 years old and still going strong.

So I'm sure you are wondering why Italians are so healthy and live longer than most.

I think that it largely has to do with the "Mediterranean Diet" that Italians are accustomed to. The mass quantities of olive oil and red wine have tons of antioxidants that improve cholesterol, prevent blood clots, and fight heart disease.
Italians also tend to use fresher ingredients and season with spices like garlic, basil, and oregano, vs Americans putting an excess of salt on everything.

I don't think I even need to get into the details of the typical "American Diet". Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast, McDonalds for lunch, and Taco Bell for dinner? When you go into a McDonalds here in Italy, 75% of the customers are Americans.
The fast food epidemic in America has been slowly killing us. I challenge you to go 1 month without eating 'fast food', and see how much better you feel about yourself after.

Another reason Italians tend to out-live Americans, is because they don't binge drink like Americans. Being in a Fraternity, I saw first-hand the effects of 'binge drinking.'
Just last night actually, I was trying to explain to an Italian the concept of 'Greek life', Fraternities, and drinking in the States. I realized half way through my explanation how ridiculous it must sound to him, as he stood there with a look of astonishment.
Italians are always drinking, but never in excess. They also usually stick to wine; where a 3 euro bottle in Italy is significantly better than a $25 bottle in America, without all of the preservatives.

Italians must be doing something right. They seem to know a thing or two about living a long and healthy lifestyle. America, time to step it up.