Food plays a great role in longevity. The Greek diet is considered the healthiest diet in the world. The fact is, you don’t need to set foot in the Greek isles to eat like them. Greeks and other people of the Mediterranean have a wonderful gift to offer. They seem to have discovered that at least one of the secrets of long life is as simple as what you eat. According to the Greek physician, Hippocrates, diet and lifestyle impact health and the risk of diseases. Here are some of the major healthy and delicious items in the Greek diet.
1. Plant-based foods
Plant-based foods rather than animal foods make up the main part of the Mediterranean diet. Greeks consume lots of fresh fruits and vegetables such as lemon, spinach, and oregano, a variety of grains, preferably whole grains, and legumes daily. Of course, it is well-known that these plant-based foods are incredibly beneficial to your health. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which help in the normal functioning of the body, grains contain fiber, which aids in digestion and the elimination of bad fat from the body, while legumes provide protein which aids in building and repairing worn out tissues.
2. Olive oil
Although many people in different parts of the world avoid fats like the plague, the Greeks consume a large amount of olive oil.
Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-cancer properties, as well as antioxidants, and vitamin E. Although they highly recommend using olive oil as your main source of fat, you need just 1-2 teaspoons daily.
3. Water
The Greeks are obsessed with water. It is very vital to them. Of course, water is a vital element of life.
Water maintains the balance of bodily fluids which aid in digestion, circulation, absorption, and maintenance of body temperature. Also, it controls calories, keeps the skin looking good, energizes the muscles, and maintains normal bowel and kidney function. To the Greeks, water is as important as olive oil is for food.
4. Red wine
Moderate amounts of Red Wine is a normal part of the Greek meal. For men, this means two glasses of wine a day and one glass a day for women. Red wine boosts the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in plasma and red blood cells, prevents vision loss, cancer, dementia, liver disease, depression, and contains resveratrol, which helps remove chemicals responsible for blood clotting. It also contains antioxidants, which reduce the risk of heart diseases.
