The Wonders of Greek Salad

Yes it’s delicious, and there are many health benefits of Greek salad...

🥗The 𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗲𝘀, 𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗰𝘂𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 & 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 are low-calorie and nutrient-dense, providing a healthy dose of vitamins A & C, as well as potassium & iron. They also contain phytonutrients & antioxidants, which are beneficial compounds that help protect your health, as well as reduce the risk of health problems e.g. heart disease & cancer. Just one cup of tomatoes supplies 24.7mg vit C & 1,499 IU vit A, whilst cucumbers are a good source of potassium at just 8 kcal per 1/2-cup serving

🥗Most Greek salads contain 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗿 𝗸𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀, which are a healthy source of unsaturated fat that might help reduce the risk of heart disease. A large black olive supplies just 5 calories, but also offers small amounts of calcium, fibre & vit A. It has been suggested that regular olive consumption might help lower blood cholesterol & neutralise free radicals that can lead to various chronic illnesses. But stick to 4/5 olives as they are high in sodium

🥗𝗙𝗲𝘁𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 adds bold flavour but is also nutritious, providing good levels of calcium to promote healthy bones and teeth. A 1 oz. serving of feta also supplies 0.82mg zinc & 120 IU vit A. You also get trace amounts of potassium, magnesium & B vits, however, be conservative as it also contains ~ 6g fat /1oz serving

🥗Although it is high in fat, 𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗶𝗹 is predominantly healthful monounsaturated fatty acids. There are three main grades of olive oil — refined, virgin & extra virgin (EVOO). EVOO is the least processed type, with modest amounts of vits E & K and beneficial fatty acids which may help reduce the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol and may also support healthy blood sugar levels

🥗Mediterranean inhabitants have used 𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗼 for centuries in herbal medicine to treat many ailments. More research is needed but there is evidence that it could help:

* fight bacteria

* relieve inflammation 

* regulate blood sugar & lipids

* fight cancer

It also provides antioxidants that help the body eliminate free radicals.