(ANSA) - PALERMO, JUNE 30 - A conference will be held on Tuesday at Expo Milano 2015 entitled 'Sicilian Agro-food Products and Mediterranean Diet: Attaining Health by Creating Development'.

The event, organized as part of those scheduled within the Italian pavilion (managed until July 7 by Sicily), will take its cue from the Dimesa research project on the Mediterranean diet. Extravirgin olive oil from some Sicilian growers, pasta from ancient Sicilian wheat strains and other foods typical of the Mediterranean diet produced in controlled production chains and through innovative processes can play a key role in preventing chronic and degenerative diseases, which are the main cause of death in highly developed countries. Healthcare for this type of disease also accounts for a substantial share of overall healthcare expenditure. Through the certification of their use for healthcare and nutritional purposes, these foods can be made more competitive. The aim of economic development is thus in synergy with research, which can provide the scientific bases for the tie between the Mediterranean diet and health, in part in order to raise awareness among consumers and have a positive impact on the population's health. The discussion will start from a report by three international experts on the theme of the Mediterranean diet and its value in preventing the main ''non-transmittable'' chronic pathologies, as well as its benefits in environmental, economic and social terms.

To follow will be discussion on best practices used in Sicily, with a look at research, development and technological transfer projects that have made it possible to focus on foods rich in health-giving properties. (ANSA).