The Healthy Cretan Diet

The island of Crete is one of the most naturally healthy places in the world, where the people incorporate thousands of plants and herbs as part of everyday nutrition.

The islanders have developed a particular diet, which has now been proved to be one of the most healthy in the world. The basics of this diet are bread, pulses, nuts, vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, olive oil, cheese, spices, and wine.

From these ingredients in a great variety of combinations, spring the delicious array of Cretan specialities. Research which started in 1960, using data from seven countries, concluded in 1986 that as a result of their diet, Cretan people suffered notably fewer deaths as a result of heart attacks, various forms of cancer and other diseases compared to all of the other places in the study.

Figures from this research are given below.

From a separate and further study, it was concluded that not only was the Mediterranean cuisine better for the heart and produced fewer heart attacks, but the Cretan diet was in particular extremely healthy. A large part is played by the island's olive oil, which is produced in vast quantities on Crete and is basic ingredient in a multitude of dishes. So now increasingly, even in hotels, there is a demand for traditional Cretan specialities, and requests for old recipes. Therefor, not only does Crete offer a healthy climate but a particularly excellent diet.

So for those who are curious and possess a modicum of courage, we have included some Cretan recipes with which to test out your culinary skills.

Olive oil, the secret of health

It is know worldwide that olive oil acts as a shield of protection regarding our health, when taking into account cardiovascular diseases, cancer, even diabetes and other diseases. More and more research is being done which shows the great value of olive oil as a perfect food for man.

Bad Cholesterol: The consumption of olive oil instead of other fats or oils reduces the concentration of LDL cholesterol in the blood without deceasing the levels of HDL, the so-called “bad” and “good” cholesterol respectively!

Triglycerides: It has been shown that olive oil reduces the level of triglycerides in the blood. A collection of bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood can block the arteries which transport oxygen to the brain and heart. In general, olive oil protects against heart diseases.

Hypertension: Olive oil reduces blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic. Therefore it decreases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Cancer: Recent studies have shown that olive oil consumption can slow down breast cancer and other types of cancer. A balanced diet with olive oil and vegetables can reduce the chances of the appearance of cancer by 75%.

Gastrointestinal system: Recent research shows that olive oil in conjunction with a healthy diet (vegetables, little meat etc) protects against cancer of the stomach
makes the liver work better
helps the liver to detoxify poisonous substances
Osteoporosis: Olive oil assists in the maintenance of bone thickness and protects against osteoporosis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Olive oil consumption reduces the chances of the appearance of this condition by 75%, especially with a balanced diet and the consumption of more fish.

Diabetes: Olive oil should also be included in the treatment of diabetes.

THE NEXT BEST THING TO MOTHER’S MILK

Olive oil is easily digested. The human body absorbs the vitamins contained in this natural product. Research has proved that only breast milk can be digested more easily by the human body! The make up of fat in breast milk is similar to that in olive oil.