Health benefits of the different ingredients used in Greek dishes

Greek food is known worldwide for its multiple health benefits. This delicious and tasty cuisine is known for improving overall fitness, while protecting an individual from various diseases. Because of its numerous health benefits, many people around the world eat Greek food, and many others try this cuisine at Greek restaurants in NYC every day.

There are many ingredients used in Greek cuisine, which makes it a healthy choice. The following are some of these ingredients, and their benefits –

Olive oil – Olive oil is one of the main ingredients used in several Greek dishes. It is used in foods like; salads, pantzarosalata, horta, lachanosalata, taramosalata, and more. This type of oil has numerous health benefits. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fat, which helps in reducing cholesterol levels. It is also beneficial for individuals who suffer from cardiovascular conditions such as; coronary heart disease.

Nuts – A variety of nuts are used in this cuisine like walnuts, and many others. Dishes like; karydopita,
baklava, karydopsomo (bread) contain a good amount of nuts.
These ingredients are high in nutrition,
which helps in improving peoples overall health.

Feta cheese – Feta cheese is used in making salads, garides saganaki, spanakopita, tyropita, and much more. It is usually made from sheep's milk. Sometimes goat’s milk is also added to it. Feta cheese contains a good amount of vitamins, calcium, and sodium. It also helps in reducing the body’s cholesterol levels.     

Vegetables – Various vegetables are also a main ingredient in Greek cuisine. Tomatoes, cucumber, potatoes, green beans, onions, eggplant, green peppers etc., are some of the most common vegetables used in these dishes. There are various vegetarian dishes in this cuisine like; bourou-bourou soup, bamies, spanakorizo, gemista etc. In addition, only fresh vegetables are used in these recipes, which make it even healthier. The use of these vegetables increases this diet’s health benefits.

Herbs – Herbs are an important ingredient used in Greek dishes. Oregano, sesame seeds, basil, mint, garlic, sage, thyme, onion, fennel seeds, rosemary, dill, and bay laurel leaves are some of the main herbs used Greek food. These herbs contain good amounts of antioxidants. They also provide vitamins and other minerals that help in improving fitness. Apáki, mint tea, kolokythoanthoi, and Gigandes plaki, are also some of the common ingredients of this diet.

Fish –Different types of fish is used in the Greek cuisine like; Taramosalata, Kakavia, and Psarosoupa. Usually, only fresh fish is used, in which swordfish and cuttlefish are common. This diet helps in reducing weight while keeping an individual healthy.

Wine – Wine is an essential ingredient of Greek food as it enhances many Greek food recipes. Both red and white wine is served with these dishes. It is beneficial for individuals suffering from diseases like; cardiovascular, cancer, and Alzheimer.