Watermelon NutritionWatermelon is one of the best fruits to help you stay hydrated. It is 92% water! It is also a nutritional powerhouse: It is packed with nutrient-dense minerals, fiber and antioxidant-rich phytonutrients, like beta carotene and lycopene. It contains higher levels of lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable. Watermelon is an […]
The Wonders of Pumpkin SeedsAdding pumpkin seeds to this already nutrition-packed bulgur salad will up the ante on health benefits! The seeds are a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential amino acids. They’re high in calories but most of their calories come from protein and fats. They’re a rich source of monounsaturated […]
About Bonito: Many people might know bonito in its dried, flaky form and as the basis for dashi, the Japanese soup stock that is the foundation of miso soup. Bonito is an oily fish in the tuna, sardine, and mackerel family and is quite popular throughout the Mediterranean, where it is eaten fresh in […]
WHY LEMON ZEST? Lemon zest is one of my secret go-to ingredients when I want to perk up the flavor of otherwise mild or subtle dishes. Can you think of another vegetable as mild as zucchini?! Lemon is, in fact, as crucial a flavor enhancer as salt and works pretty much the same way […]
TIP: Tsipouro was firstly produced by the Mount Athos monks in the 14th century, and then its production and use were spread throughout Greece. Tsipouro is distilled a number of times in order to enrich its flavor. If you do not like the stong smell and flavour of anise seed -that gives tsipouro a […]
HELPFUL INFO: Mushrooms are a low-carb, low-fat ingredient packed with about 15 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, zinc and potassium. Mushrooms are also rich in antioxidants and they’re one of the few foods that contain vitamin D, which is essential for building strong bones, reducing inflammation and improving immune function.
A PLACE FOR DESSERT: Why a Vegan Cheesecake? Why a dessert at all in a compilation of recipes that aim to be plant-based and life-enhancing? For one, at least in my experience on Ikaria, centenarians don’t avoid eating sweets. They just do so judiciously and make a special occasion out of it. Most traditional […]
FUN FACT: If one thing sets Greek food apart from other cuisines across the Mediterranean, it is the prevalence of purely plant-based main courses. This root vegetable stew, while inspired by the spice palette of regions a little further to the East, is a great example of a hearty, totally plant-based, real-food vegan main […]
FUN FACT: Onions are a really important ingredient in the Greek-Mediterranean diet and in the longevity foods of Ikarians and other denizens of the Blue Zones. They’re rich in plant compounds and antioxidants, and they make everything taste better, too! There are a few differences in taste and nutritional components among onions. Colorful varieties, […]
FUN FACT: Carrots are about 10 percent carbs, consisting of starch, fiber, and simple sugars. They are extremely low in fat and protein. Also, the beta carotene in carrots is a skin-friendly nutrient that gets converted to vitamin A inside the body, and we need vitamin A to strengthen our immune systems, for eye […]