Dr. Berrino is 73 years old, has white hair and a thin face. His eyes and his smile convey a fatherly sense, put at ease and belong to an indefatigable man. Franco Berrino is an epidemiologist who has been studying and engaging in the cancer prevention campaign for years. His work began more than forty years ago, when in 1975 he began working at the National Cancer Institute in Milan. Today, thanks also to the association The Great Way founded with Enrica Bortolazzi, it continues to take care of Italians through cycles of conferences, interviews and obviously its research projects.
According to Dr. Berrino, well-being begins at the table
Essentially, the work of Dr. Berrino can be summarized as follows: a correct diet is essential for human health and to avoid the onset of cancer. We have already talked about the food as an ally of health, and Dr. Berrino explains to us that a few simple rules are enough to achieve a healthy and conscious lifestyle. His clinical eye helps us avoid enemies at the dinner table in books like Feed well-being. How to prevent cancer at the table (Milan, Franco Angeli, 2010), The food of man. The path of health between scientific knowledge and ancient wisdom (Milan, Franco Angeli, 2015) e The great way. Nutrition, movement, meditation for a long happy, healthy and creative life with Luigi Fontana (Milan, Mondadori, 2017).
A return to the past
The reference model is the Mediterranean diet "Of the farmer of the past" in which products of vegetable origin prevail: whole grains, legumes, vegetables and seasonal fruit. È important indeed decrease in our diet red meats and sausages, as well as dairy products. A trend that is already taking hold in Italy, thanks to the considerable increase in vegetarians and vegans. Also, a good habit is avoid refined foods such as sugar and 00 flour, which Dr. Berrino defines as "the greatest poison of our diet". Even commercial products (biscuits, snacks and packaged savory snacks) should be abolished, starting with distributors in schools. They are in fact rich in ingredients of dubious quality and with a high glycemic rate, as well as preservatives and salt. This is why it is important read the labels carefully.
In the kitchen with organic
Berrino invites the Italians to go back to the kitchen, to be responsible and aware of their diet. It suggests some simple and healthy recipes using seasonal and organic products. Why organic? To avoid the poisons of the new agriculture, but also for eat while respecting the planet. But beware of speculation. Some products such as rice milk, sold at exorbitant prices (and sometimes with added sugar), are easily reproduced at home.
An international commitment
Dr. Berrino is an international expert. He has collaborated with his research in various sector studies published since World Cancer Research Fund. In addition, he is the coordinator of the EUROCARE Project on the survival of cancer patients in Europe.
DIANA: pink prevention
Among the various initiatives of Dr. Berrino, it is worth mentioning DIANA project conducted together with Dr. Anna Villarini, for the breast cancer prevention. This project was born in 2008 and within 4 years has recruited more than 2000 women who have treated breast cancer, convincing them to change their lifestyle. They chose a correct diet based on simple flavors and to practice daily physical activity. The results confirmed the decrease in the reappearance of the tumor and also a general improvement in health conditions. Nutrition and exercise play a decisive role. In fact, they prevent the formation or restoration of new forms of cancer allowing our body to create an unsuitable and infertile "ground" for the development of the disease.
Cancer is a silent, invisible, but violent disease. All those people who suffer from this disease, have suffered or have seen suffering from this disease know well. The work of Italian doctors such as Franco Berrino helps us to prevent the appearance of tumors, so as not to have to fight and know the pain they cause. A few simple rules are enough to improve our lifestyle, respect our health and our body. Our choices are important, this is the real message that Dr. Berrino wants to convey to us the next time we shop, open the fridge or sit down at the table with our family and friends.
