A statistical approach to the study of vitamin C and crude fiber in some horticultural plants to introduce the Mediterranean diet

Abstract

In this didactic paper, using a statistical approach, we introduce the Mediterranean diet, recognized culturally as the patrimony of UNESCO, that promotes a consumption of agrifood, containing vitamin C and crude fibre, that have beneficial effects on the health. This contribution is based on previous papers, where a set of 26 species of horticultural plants, used in Mediterranean diet, was examined from the statistical point of view, obtaining easily accessible and useful results. In particular the recorded content of vitamin C and crude fibre of the considered plants, based on literature data, have been analyzed as two sample variables. Graphic representations and statistical studies are given for these 2 variables. From the average values found of crude fibre and vitamin C contents, ingested by the human organism through the consumption of the considered fruits and vegetables, it can be seen that it is necessary to follow a diet rich in vitamin C and crude fibre to prevent disease, in accordance with medical standards and directives coming from several national and international nutrition organizations, and thus to promote the Mediterranean diet, that represents the initial steps to longevity and good health.