Greek Food Is Smart Food

[brnidokiegurl 1]

A Mediterranean diet makes your heart happy and provides another benefit: a healthier memory.

Trying to eat more like a Greek -- that is, simply enjoying more fish, fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes than most Americans usually do -- may be as good for your brain as it is for your heart. In fact, new research shows it could reduce the risk of Alzheimer's by up to 40 percent.

What makes the Mediterranean diet so kind to your mind? Researchers suspect it's a combination of the high levels of vitamins C and E, healthy monounsaturated fats, and flavonoids in this seaside fare. All help keep arteries healthy, and that keeps blood flowing steadily to the brain. This mix of nutrients also fights oxidative stress and inflammation, two processes strongly linked to Alzheimer's disease.

In fact, some of the most potent inflammation-fighters (omega-3 fatty acids) are in fish, a staple of the Mediterranean diet. These fatty acids may help prevent Alzheimer's and slow the rate of mental decline in those who already have very mild forms of the disease. Get your fill of these good fats by eating fish twice a week or taking fish-oil supplements.

The benefits of going Mediterranean (think southern Italian, too) extend to your appetite as well. People who graze on couscous, falafel, chopped salad, and other traditional Greek dishes tend to consume fewer calories throughout the day, so you'll stay sharp and eat less!

[Michaela_Hassan 1]

You're making me hungry!!!!!!

[DeadPoolX 9]

Hey...that's cool! I love Greek food!

[bucknekkid 0]

Greek is great, but I eat more than my fair share of fish via sushi...

[UmmSqueakster 54]

There's a lot more to mediteranian food than Greek stuff. Many of the "greek" restaurants around here that I've been to are run by arabs.

[meauxna 15]

Greeks culturally follow the Orthodox calendar and 'fast' for half the days of any year. The fast means no meat, oil or sugar. I suspect that plays a big role in their health!

Of course the majority cancel that out by smoking +1 pack a day!

[Saddle Bronc 124]

The typical North Indian (or Pakistani) diet at home consists of:

• daal (any of several kinds of legumes, either split or whole), usually flavoured with some garlic or onion, a little chilli and/or some vegetables
  
• roti aka chapati (unleavened wholewheat bread--for the lazy, wholewheat tortillas will work)
  
• oft raita (maybe call it "yoghurt salad", since it combines both generally) or plain yoghurt
  

Typical South Indian diet uses rice (uncommonly brown rice, which IS wholegrain) rather than wholewheat, as does the Bengali (WB and Bangladesh); the latter oft also includes fish.

(contrary to the image conveyed by many North Indian restaurants)

[Savanphil 3]

The typical North Indian (or Pakistani) diet at home consists of:

• daal (any of several kinds of legumes, either split or whole), usually flavoured with some garlic or onion, a little chilli and/or some vegetables
  
• roti aka chapati (unleavened wholewheat bread--for the lazy, wholewheat tortillas will work)
  
• oft raita (maybe call it "yoghurt salad", since it combines both generally) or plain yoghurt
  

Typical South Indian diet uses rice (uncommonly brown rice, which IS wholegrain) rather than wholewheat, as does the Bengali (WB and Bangladesh); the latter oft also includes fish.

(contrary to the image conveyed by many North Indian restaurants)

I roti and daal

[pedroh 21]

share the tsasiki pliz..