The second annual conference entitled: “Cretan Lifestyle 2023: Mediterranean Tradition & Modern Applications” was held from 13 – 18 November 2023 in Rethymno, Crete, Greece. This event serves as a platform for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and innovations in the health and wellness domain. Bringing together enthusiasts, experts, and dignitaries from around the globe, attendees have the opportunity to engage in discussions, attend workshops, and witness live demonstrations, all centered around the remarkable benefits of olive products and the Cretan lifestyle.

This year Dr. Antonia Trichopoulou, Chair of the Athens Academy Center for Public Health Research and Education (CPHRE) presented ‘Herbs and Herbal Infusions in the Traditional Diets of Greece and Italy’.

Dr. Ekaterina-Michaela Tomou, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Athens and a CPHRE collaborator presented a Scientific Poster entitled ‘Detection οf polyphenolic compound metabolites in human serum following consumption of herbal infusions: Analytical approach for mountain tea’. Herbal infusions are prevalent in the Mediterranean diet; for instance, mountain tea, also known as "malotira," is extensively consumed in Crete. It is considered as a traditional herbal medicinal product for alleviating mild gastrointestinal disorders and combating the common cold, prompting scientific investigations into its health benefits.