More good news on the Mediterranean diet..
More good news on the Mediterranean diet… it may help reduce the risk for Type 2 diabetes. Read more http://nyti.ms/1dpShEq
More good news on the Mediterranean diet… it may help reduce the risk for Type 2 diabetes. Read more http://nyti.ms/1dpShEq
Looking to make some healthy changes in the new year? Here is a great article from the Naturally Healthy Concepts blog that talks about why the Mediterranean Diet is not only good for you, but also a smart step in healthy living. Make 2014 be a year of smart choices instead of ambitious pursuits of fad resolutions! Our cookbook can help with healthy, easy recipes that make the Mediterranean eating a lifestyle!
Haven’t started your holiday shopping yet? This year consider something unique and for a good cause… our cookbook makes an excellent gift and you can order online.
What is all the hype about the Mediterranean diet and what is it really? Today we are going to talk about the dietary patterns of this way of life and how it has proven itself over centuries in promoting lifelong good health.
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A gluten free diet does not have to limit the kinds of food you eat. All іt hаs tо dо іs limit thе types оf ingredients thаt аrе рut іntо thе foods thаt уоu choose tо eat and it usually requires just a slight modification to recipe to make it gluten-free. This can be achieved with many of the recipes in the Festival of Greek Flavors cookbook. In fact, to be called gluten-free, a recipe must contain no wheat, rye, or barley or other gluten-containing thickeners, gelatins, gum blends or stabilizers – and that often occurs naturally in Greek food! Greek cuisine is rich in whole foods that are naturally gluten-free, such as meat, chicken, or fish, eggs, potatoes or rice, and plenty of fresh vegetables, salad and fruit. Many greek dishes use a simple but wonderful lemon juice and heart-healthy olive oil blend for the marinades and sauces, making dishes light, delicious and naturally worry-free.
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On sale today, Festival of Greek Flavors offers a Mediterranean culinary adventure, allowing readers to cook and eat like a Greek. The cookbook offers chefs of all skill levels delectable Greek recipes that have been handed down for generations or recently modernized, and will please the palette while providing a feast for the eyes. All proceeds from the cookbook will benefit the numerous philanthropic activities of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society of Denver.
The 216-page book is a true work of art, packed with 187 Greek recipes and featuring stunning photography that gives it coffee table appeal and makes it a staple in the kitchen.
Take a Mediterranean adventure today!
Olive oil is as diverse as wine – it can come from a single grape or a blend; it can vary in color, aroma and flavor; it can come from many different regions all over the world and is sold in many different grades. However, there is one simple characteristic you must know that will help you make sense of all olive oil labels. If only understanding wine could be that easy!
To understand olive oil, you must understand how the oil was obtained from the olive and if it has undergone a mechanical or a chemical process to achieve its flavor, color and acidity.
Virgin olive oil is made with no chemical treatment using solely physical means to extra oil from the olive fruit. Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality of olive oil, because it has the lowest acidity of any olive oil. Extra virgin olive oils vary widely in taste, color and appearance. Note that “extra virgin” may be used without legal restrictions.
Refined olive oil has been chemically treated for taste and acidity, but loses some of its nutritional properties. It has a high acidity level, making it a lower grade olive oil.
An olive oil can be a blend of both virgin and refined olive oils. It is made by taking lower quality refined olive oil and adding virgin olive oil to create a medium grade olive oil. The term olive oil refers to this blend. Thus, “100% Pure Olive Oil” is often the lowest quality available: higher grades would have “virgin” on the label. The term “Pure” does not refer to anything in the production of olive oil and is a widely used but unregulated marketing term.
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Whats the big deal about olive oil anyway?
Homer called it “liquid gold.” It has a long history from medicinal to culinary and was even used as currency in ancient Roman times. Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats like oleic acid and polyphenols, which studies show reduce the risk of developing heart disease. The high content of antioxidants in olive oil also reduces bad cholesterol levels (LDL) while raising good cholesterol levels (HDL). Olive oil has no trans fatty acids and tastes wonderful.
Other health benefits of olive oil include:
Not only is olive oil known for its beneficial health effects – it has also been a beauty secret of the Mediterranean people for centuries. It can be used as a natural, hypoallergenic way to moisturize skin and hair, is a natural lubricant for a close shave, works wonders as a cuticle softener, is an inexpensive lip balm, eases diaper rash and even works great as a furniture polish!
Up next – we’ll talk about the different varieties of olive oil and how to buy, store and cook with olive oil.
Here’s to your health!
The Mediterranean Diet is regularly described as the “gold standard” for promoting healthy patterns to living well. Our cookbook will teach you to eat like a Greek with recipes that incorporate fish, dairy, vegetables and fruits, whole grains, legumes and nuts, and using olive oil as the main source of fat – the main staples of the Mediterranean diet.
Our highly anticipated cookbook, The Festival of Greek Flavors, is coming soon! Stay tuned for more info and how to get your copy!