You are what you eat. Okay, you have heard this countless times. But if you observe the eating patterns of the people worldwide, you’ll see that they pay attention to what they eat, how much they eat, and when they eat to blend health and taste in equal parts.
The foods are flavorful, delicious, and nutritious. So, whoever told you that eating healthy is boring is wrong. The key takeaway from all these countries, especially Greek cuisine, is that they keep their plates as unprocessed and colorful as possible. Also, they focus on eating locally and rely on time-tested methods. However, you don’t have to travel to Greece to savor their time-tested flavors. You can walk into your kitchen instead and try these unique, nutrition-approved flavors.
Part of what makes Mediterranean cuisines so healthy is Greek foods. You include fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, and yogurt. These are the healthiest foods that the Grecians add to their plates, which keeps them fighting fit. And you will understand why Grecian cuisine tops the list of one of the most healthy cuisine. It hails from Crete, one of the largest and most populated Greek Islands. Cretans are also one of the healthiest people globally, chiefly because of their foods. It reduces their risk of heart disease and other diseases.
Hummus
Hummus is one of the most popular dips or spreads that hail from the Mediterranean and the Middle Easterns. Even Plato and Socrates have documented the benefits of hummus. The recipe is simple. You blend chickpeas, ground sesame seeds, olive oil, and lemon juice.
The ingredients are healthy, which is why the dish is also healthy. Eating hummus may also help you lose weight, keep your blood sugar under control, and improve your heart health. Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber, and olive oil, too, is a great source of good fats. Olive oil helps reduce inflammation and may even help prevent inflammatory diseases such as cancer. You can use hummus as a dip with fresh veggies, crackers, or pita bread.
Melitzanosalata
Melitzanosalata is a mouthful in every sense of the word. Although it is a salad in Greek, it can work as a dip. The eggplants are roasted and blended with olive oil, garlic, and lemon. It is pretty similar to another dish called baba ghanoush, which hails from the Middle East. Eggplants are a great source of fiber and antioxidants and fight free radicals. Free radicals cause cell damage linked to aging, cancer, and chronic diseases. Melitzanosalata is served as an appetizer to dip your bread and vegetables into it. You can also use it as a sandwich spread.
Tzatziki
There is no doubt that dips and spreads form an integral part of Grecian foods, and Tzatziki is another popular dip and spread used in Greek cooking. While it is a creamy dip, it is still low on calories, and two tablespoons of it can account for just 35 calories. Just combine yogurt, cucumbers, and olive oil to make Tzatziki. Greek yogurt is thick and creamier than regular yogurt as the preparation involves straining out the extra liquid or whey.
Historically, Greeks strained the yogurt to reduce the water content and improve the shelf-life. Straining the liquid also makes it higher in protein. Protein is an important macronutrient to add to your diet as it helps reduce appetite, control the hunger hormones and boost metabolism. Use it as a dip and accompaniment with pita bread. It offers great support to grilled meats too.
Dolmades
Dolmades are stuffed grape leaves that can serve as appetizers or main dishes. Stuffed with rice and herbs, most people love to eat them with meats. The stuffing adds or lessens the calorific value of the dish. The grape leaves are low in calories and fiber and are also naturally enriched with vitamins A and K. Like all Grecian dishes, they are rich in antioxidants. The red grape leaves help improve blood circulation. It will thus prevent diseases such as chronic venous insufficiency.
Herbs and spices are added to the dishes to add to the flavor and the health benefits. Parsely and dill, two of the key ingredients in Dolmades, are a great source of antioxidants. It treats bacteria and fungus-causing diseases.
Have you tasted these sumptuous dishes yet? Try these Greek-Way-Of-Staying-Fit dishes and let us know whether you liked them and if your health is all the better for it.
