Superfoods are foods that are rich in nutrients, such as good fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, trace elements and antioxidants. But they are not ‘magical’ in themselves. They must be part of a complete and balanced diet such as the Mediterranean, to give us their beneficial properties.
Fortunately, our country is very rich in such foods and we will need more articles to name them all.
Its low bush thyme, which grows in rocky places, is characteristic of the Greek landscape. Its flowers are loved and often visited by bees and give us thyme honey. Thyme smells wonderful, flavors food and at the same time has many antioxidant and healing properties. It is one of the oldest and most trusted herbs. Thyme soothes indigestion, boosts iron levels, relieves colds, is a natural cough remedy, improves vision due to vitamin A, regulates blood pressure, strengthens bones, reduces inflammation, kills bacteria and protects the cardiovascular system.
The sea buckthorn it is the fruit of a deciduous shrub that, if properly pruned, takes the shape of a tree, like the olive. It got its name from the words ippos (horse) and faos (light, shine). Science confirms its therapeutic use and today it is cultivated in areas of Northern Greece. It is called the sea buckthorn of Aianis Kozani. We mainly use the fruit of the plant, the juice of the fruit and its oil. It is available in capsule form (dietary supplements), in oil (the most potent form), in powder form, in dried form and as fresh fruit in organic shops and selected supermarkets. It has a high content of vitamin C (15 times greater than that contained in an orange), vitamin E, carotenoids that are precursors of vitamin A, valuable fatty acids, amino acids (18 different ones, 8 of which are essential for the body ), in antioxidants as well as calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, copper, potassium, sodium, selenium and zinc. Remember that tcheap Chinese baked sea buckthorn has no nutritional value.
THE caper is a small unruly plant that grows mainly by the sea and in rocky soils. Its flowers, in the bud stage, are collected and placed in salted water and vinegar. This is the well-known caper on the market, which is harvested in May, June and July. Together with caper leaves, they are used in salads and many other recipes. They have a spicy taste, unique aroma and very few calories. Due to its processing it contains a lot of salt, if you want to reduce it, you have to wash it before consuming it. It contains a lot of vitamins A, E, C, and K, enough protein, folic acid, calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium, copper, selenium, fatty acids, fiber and valuable antioxidants. Its decoction treats vaginal fungal infections. It is also known to prevent breast congestion, moisturize the skin and fight its dryness. It helps to treat skin disorders such as redness, irritation and pimples. It is used in wasp stings and snake bites, and often in hair care products.
The Mountain Tea is one of the most popular herbs of the Greek countryside with about 17 autophyte species in mountainous and rocky areas. It is known as Greek tea. Does not contain caffeine, which is why you can consume several cups during the day, especially in cases of colds. even just before bed. It contains valuable antioxidant substances. Effectively treats colds, nasal congestion, respiratory problems and persistent coughs. Relieves stomachache and indigestion. It is tonic, diuretic and strongly astringent against diarrhea and colitis. But it is also soothing, diaphoretic, detoxifying, warming and spasmolytic for the respiratory system. It helps with anemia thanks to the iron it contains, strengthens the immune system, acts as an anxiolytic and contributes to the prevention of cancer thanks to its many antioxidant substances. The high demand for the plant in recent years threatens it with extinction.
THE black raisin or black gold was the number one export product (during the 19th century) and a staple of the Greek diet. The raisin for Greece was what Xenophon Zolotas once said coffee was for Brazil! The raisins of northern and western Peloponnese, Achaia, Ilia, Messinia, Zakynthos and Kefalonia are selected, with Corinthia being the most famous. Raisins even baked into nuts, cakes or bread continue to retain their beneficial properties. They are rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamin C, dietary fiber, probiotics and polyphenols. It has a high glycemic index due to the fructose it contains. That’s why it’s the perfect warming food for mountaineers.
In 1996 the European Union classified them pistachios as “Product of Protected Designation of Origin.”. Pistachios contain good fats and are low in calories. It is an excellent source of plant fibers, which effectively regulate the functioning of the digestive system, and give a feeling of fullness compared to other snacks. They are rich in vitamin E and contribute to the health of the skin, while due to the vitamin B6 they contain, they strengthen the immune system as well as the nervous system. They help the good quality of the hair and can even prevent hair loss due to the variety of fatty acids they contain. They contribute to good vision and act against macular degeneration due to the antioxidants they contain and protect tissues from damage caused by free radicals.
Φαγητό,Food,Recipes, #Greek #Superfoods
❤ XOXO ❤