Dr. Antonios Koutelidakis's Welcome Letter
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Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to invite you to join us for the 30th International Conference of FFC - 18th International Symposium of ASFFBC scheduled for September 23-25, 2022 at the University of the Aegean, Myrina City, Lemnos Island, Greece.
The discussion topic is "Mediterranean Diet, Functional Foods and Bioactive Compounds: Science and Practice." Years of research has demonstrated the efficacy of the Mediterranean diet in reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases. Decreasing the risk of chronic disease can also reduce the risk of viral disease, as those with chronic disease are more vulnerable to contracting and perishing from viral diseases. Considering the impact of the Mediterranean diet on both chronic and viral disease, having a greater understanding the bioactive compounds that produce the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet can lead to improved health of the global population and decrease vulnerability to disease. Once identified, these bioactive compounds can be used in the development of functional foods for certain conditions and diseases.
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This conference will bring together experts in food science and nutrition, medicine, biology, and the food industry to discuss the usage of functional foods with bioactive compounds as dietary interventions for viral diseases, such as COVID-19, and chronic diseases.
Mediterranean diet and chronic diseases prevention (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome), the traditional functional foods of the Mediterranean diet (herbs, wild greens, olive oil, fishes, grains, fruits and vegetables) and their bioactive compounds, epidemiological data about Mediterranean diet adherence in the modern life style are several of the discussed topics of the conference.
The conference venue is on the campus of the University of Aegean in Myrina city, former municipality on the island of Lemnos, at North Aegean, Greece. The ancient town also garnered notice of Pliny the Elder who wrote that the shadow of Mount Athos could be seen in the town's forum on the summer solstice. Other authors of antiquity noted that the town include Ptolemy and Stephanus of Byzantium. Myrina is built upon a shallow bay split into two by a promontory jutting out to sea and carrying the ruins of a Venetian castle. Many of the town's streets are stone-paved alleys. The Roman Shore is quite beautiful, as it is aligned with stone-built houses of neoclassical design. The archaeological museum displays numerous exhibits from the island's remote (mostly prehistoric) past. With its clean, long, and sandy beaches, and its own Castle to boot, Myrina is a tourist attraction.
Apart from discussing recent developments related to Mediterranean Diet, Functional Foods and Bioactive Compounds, you may also enjoy bathing in the Roman Shore beach, having dinner at one of the fish taverns circling the traditional harbor, as well as enjoying the caiques there with a view of the castle at night.
I look forward to welcoming you to Lemnos in September 2022.
Antonios E. Koutelidakis
Assistant Professor on Human Nutrition
University of Aegean
Conference Co-Chair
