(Department of Botany, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece)

Abstract: Nutrition in addition to its mission to nourish and keep alive the human being is a powerful cultural element for every nation. The diet of different peoples but also of all social groups demonstrates diversity and social stratification. It characterizes the cultural level of a society and at the same time can be used as a vehicle for conveying messages concerning health, morality, law and social behavior. The philosophy of the Pontian diet with experience and history of 30 centuries is an educational tool, an effective method of teaching social wisdom to future generations. The philosophy of Epicurus, despite the fact that it was misunderstood during the first Christian years, was largely preserved in the Pontian food culture and is expressed almost as it is by popular wisdom.