A person’s health is the result of hereditary factors as well as of the influences that it accepts from its environment. Among all the environmental factors that affect the human organism (including smoking, toxins, physical activity etc), the role of nutrition is extremely important as we are constantly exposed to food, throughout our lives. Thus, nutrition is among the most important, if not the most important, environmental factor affecting the human organism.  (Ordovas & Corella 2004).

Nutrition experts at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) in conjunction with colleagues at Harvard Health Publications have unveiled the Healthy Eating Plate, a visual guide that provides a blueprint for eating a healthy meal.

The olive was believed to have first made its appearance in the third millenium BC in the Middle East and consequently spread throughout the Aegean Islands, Greece and other Mediterranean regions. 

However, new fossil findings of olive tree leaves (Olea Europea) dating back 5 to 6 thousand years were discovered by Professor E. Velitzelos along strata of the volcanic crater in Santorini (Thera). Later, on the island of Nisyros, more such findings proved its indigenous existence in the greater region of the Aegean thousands of years ago.

The cultural association of Venerato in Crete has started registering the olive trees in the region, trying to save them. It has also launched a campaign to inform the locals and residents on the historical value of these trees. Most of them date back to previous centuries, but are being ruined by the newest generations. At the same time, the association organizes small excursions in the country, where kids from the region write on the selected trees the word SOS.

By the end of 1950's, when American nutrition experts came to Crete to investigate the causes that were responsible for the longevity of Cretans, they could not believe their eyes! "My God, how much oil do you use!," exclaimed Dr. Ancel Keys, as he was looking at a plate of green salad virtually floating in olive oil. In fact, Dr. A. Keys' observation was subsequent to similar remarks/observations made centuries earlier by travellers from other regions of the world, who were also interested in scrutinizing the daily life and habits of Cretans.