You may have heard that the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest diets to follow. And what’s great about this particular “diet” is that it’s not much of a diet at all. What it really comes down to is residents in this area of the world just eating fresh, unprocessed foods that are easily accessible to them.
In fact, this is a big contributor to why folks in the Mediterranean, including Greece, tend to have better health outcomes overall and longer life expectancies than in many other areas of the world. So what exactly makes Greek food so healthy?
It’s actually quite simple. This article will tell you everything you need to know about the health benefits of Greek food and how you can model your diet off of what folks in the Mediterranean eat.
Olive oil abounds
Olive oil is a major component of Greek cuisine. While there are some misconceptions about the health benefits of olive oil, it can actually be quite good for you, especially when compared to other cooking oils. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats, olive oil can improve your cardiovascular health and offer a number of other benefits as well.
Incorporating healthy fats
Aside from olive oil, there are a number of other fats found in the Mediterranean diet that are considered to be good for you, so much so that they can actually help to lower cholesterol levels. These include fish, nuts, and avocados, all found in many Greek dishes.
Plenty of fruits and vegetables
Greece offers an incredible growing environment for delicious fruits and vegetables that are abundant in the Mediterranean diet. Figs are a classic ingredient in Greek food, but you can find a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in Greek cooking that are incredibly fresh, including eggplant, tomatoes, melon, kumquats, and so much more.
Minimal red meat
Because red meat has been shown to have negative health consequences, many medical professionals recommend that it be eaten in moderation. Compared to some other areas of the world, the Mediterranean diet doesn’t incorporate red meat into many dishes. This means that it is naturally consumed less and other sources of meat and protein are more popular instead.
Healthy sources of protein
Greek cooking relies heavily on ingredients that are full of lean protein, like chicken, fish, nuts, and beans. With so much lean protein found in Greek dishes, it’s no wonder that those following the Mediterranean diet are so healthy, as it has a vast number of health benefits and can help keep you feeling full much longer than sugary or processed foods can.
The diet that isn’t really a diet
Compared to trendy, restrictive diets that backfire the second you slip up, following the Mediterranean diet is a sustainable way to simply make healthier choices when it comes to what you eat. By incorporating more Greek dishes into your meal rotation, you can reap the benefits of all that these recipes have to offer. Interested in getting a taste of authentic Greek cuisine for yourself? Visit Yoleni’s in Providence, RI, for traditional Greek dining as well as a full Greek marketplace!
