Introduction
You strongly think that healthy Greek foods are an oxymoron. While it’s true that some Greek foods are loaded with saturated fat and should do eaten in moderation, there are plenty of healthy Greek foods you can enjoy every day! Greek cuisine is a tasty and healthy cuisine rich in culture and tradition. Here are seven Greek foods that are great for your health and pack the best nutritional punch.
If you want to eat like the Greeks, look no further than the healthy Greek recipes listed here. Meal ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and dessert remain included. And also all do inspire by Mediterranean cuisine. All that remains is to find someone to share them with, even if it’s on Zoom.
Healthy Greek Foods Yogurt
Yoghurt is one of the best healthy Greek foods to eat regularly. Rich in calcium, yoghurt is an excellent source of probiotics. Probiotics remain believed to be responsible for gut health. So if you suffer from chronic upset stomach, constipation, or other IBS/colitis symptoms, adding high-protein yoghurt could be a great addition to your diet.
Healthy Greek Foods Lentil Soup
Lentil soup can be made with or without tomatoes and is a critical ingredient in the Greek diet. In addition, it is an excellent source of protein and fibre. A single cup of lentils contains 18 grams of protein and 16 grams of fibre. This popular legume is famous throughout the Mediterranean. It has many vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent food for vegetarians, as vegetarian diets are often low in iron, protein and zinc. Plus, research shows that lentils can help lower blood pressure, fight cancer, control blood sugar, and lower cholesterol.
Healthy Greek Foods Lamb
L lamb should be your first choice if you’re looking for lean protein. Lamb is rich and tender but contains less fat than its beef counterpart. So whether you use ground lamb in meatballs, braise lamb chops with red wine, or grill lamb as a skewer, lamb, packs a ton of muscle-building and fat-burning protein.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the richest sources of lycopene on the planet. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant responsible for heart health, eye health, and even the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders. They remain used in various hot and cold Greek dishes ranging from savoury dips to refreshing salads, so eat up!
Healthy Greek Foods Boiled Greens
Boiled wild greens are a staple dish in Greek homes. Olive oil and lemon juice complete this dish. Green vegetables are a vital ingredient in the Mediterranean diet and are very common to eat throughout the Mediterranean.
Most wild green vegetables are incredibly high in antioxidants. One study found that many wild green vegetables contain more antioxidants than blueberries. Now research shows that they retain antioxidants better than most foods.
Fresh Parsley – Healthy Greek Foods
With its pronounced aromatic profile, fresh parsley is an essential ingredient in Greek cuisine. It can remain used in meat marinades, in salads, and even steamed with grains for a delicious and aromatic side dish. However, fresh parsley is best known for being used in a traditional Greek salad of red onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, olive oil, lemon juice, and crumbled feta cheese. Try adding parsley to your next meal and see if you notice the boost in flavour without adding a drop of fat.
Greek food doesn’t have to be heavy pasta dishes or fried eggplant loaded with bechamel sauce. There are plenty of words you can easily make and eat every day, and they won’t break your calorie bank. So what are some of your favourite Greek dishes to make and eat?
Conclusion
Healthy Greek Foods – Although the exact nutrient content will vary depending on the vegetables you use, all leafy greens are high in vitamin K and low in fibre. Additionally, all leafy green vegetables are also good sources of dietary nitrates. Recent studies have shown that a diet high in vegetable nitrates can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of glaucoma.