A picture taken in Greece - clean and peaceful. I've always wanted to go there because I feel like it would be a perfect escape to the most beautiful landscape, culture and delicious food. Speaking of food, there are a lot of extensive studies to support the rumor that a Mediterannean Diet is the way to go to promote longevity and an overall healthier life. (Picture taken from travelphoto.net)Studies: The Archives of Internal Medicine had a major study that supports the idea that this diet with promote longevity by preventing cancer growth and cardiovascular disease growth. The study was conducted on Americans, which does not support the idea that certain diets have a better effect in certain geographical areas.
- The New England Journal posted a study this past July of subjects on a Mediterannean diet and a low-fat diet and found these people lost more weight than a low-carb diet (which has no calorie restraints, just a lowered carbohydrate diet). Something to keep in mind about this is that with any diet, you should be aware of your calorie intake. Anything in moderation is okay!
- The British Medical Journal posted a study that also supported the idea that this diet prohibits cancer growth and cardiovascular disease growth. Yet in the same study, it also inhibited Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease.
- A study in the Journal of American Medical Association had a study that focused on the blood sugar intake of the diet and supports the idea that this diet will help Type 2 Diabetics maintain a healthy blood sugar level over high fiber cereals.
What makes all these things possible? A lot of scientists agree that the Mediterannean Diet is healthy because of the heavy amounts of olive oil, fish and nuts used in cooking. The olive oil, though, seems to be the main ingredient to this healthy diet.
Olive Oil: When researching up on olive oil, being a girl, this is the first thing that really caught my attention. It's known as the 'beauty oil' in that the body's cells incorporate the fatty acids in the oil to the artery making skin more lustrous. It is made up of 80% monosaturated fats, 14% saturated fats, and 9% polysaturated fats. (The best fat out of these three is monosaturated, which olive oil is heavily concentrated in). It is also rich in Vitamins A, B-1, B-2, C, D, E and K. It is a mild laxative by aiding the digestive system, protecting intestine and preventing ulcers from forming. I suggest before some evening meals, you take one slice of whole grain bread and dip it in olive oil. That way, you can get some fiber, protect your stomach and also fill you up a bit before your actual meal. One last cool thing about olive oil is that it is cholesterol-free. A diet that is excessive in cholesterol will clog arteries and cause blood flow to slow down, thus forming cardiovascular health issues.
Classic Greek Lamb Chop Recipe: Lamb with a barbecue rub. Serve with steamed veggies and couscous to make a delicious dinner!
Serves 4
20 lamb chops – about ¾-inch thick, bones in
Salt
For the barbecue rub
2 sprigs rosemary
2 sprigs oregano
2 sprigs basil
2 sprigs thyme
Extra virgin olive oil
For the aioli
3 cloves garlic – peeled
1 cup extra virgin olive oil – If at all possible use Catalan arbequina olive oil. Alternatively, use a mild Italian or Greek extra virgin olive oil.
1 pinch salt
Lamb chop recipe preparation instructions
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes.Cooking time: 20 minutes per batch.
Put all herb leaves in a small glass, and mince them with your kitchen scissors.
For best flavor prepare the barbecue rub one hour before you start grilling the lamb chops.
Cover the minced herbs with the olive oil, and stir. If you have time, let the barbecue rub rest for an hour.
Make the aioli. Click here for detailed instructions and a video on how to prepare aioli for this lamb chop recipe.
Brush the lamb chops with the barbecue rub, and sprinkle some salt over them.
Now it's time to start grilling the lamb chops in batches. You have three choices:
Building an open wood fire.
Using your barbecue grill.
Using a grill pan over your kichen's stovetop
Serves 4
20 lamb chops – about ¾-inch thick, bones in
Salt
For the barbecue rub
2 sprigs rosemary
2 sprigs oregano
2 sprigs basil
2 sprigs thyme
Extra virgin olive oil
For the aioli
3 cloves garlic – peeled
1 cup extra virgin olive oil – If at all possible use Catalan arbequina olive oil. Alternatively, use a mild Italian or Greek extra virgin olive oil.
1 pinch salt
Lamb chop recipe preparation instructions
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes.Cooking time: 20 minutes per batch.
Put all herb leaves in a small glass, and mince them with your kitchen scissors.
For best flavor prepare the barbecue rub one hour before you start grilling the lamb chops.
Cover the minced herbs with the olive oil, and stir. If you have time, let the barbecue rub rest for an hour.
Make the aioli. Click here for detailed instructions and a video on how to prepare aioli for this lamb chop recipe.
Brush the lamb chops with the barbecue rub, and sprinkle some salt over them.
Now it's time to start grilling the lamb chops in batches. You have three choices:
Building an open wood fire.
Using your barbecue grill.
Using a grill pan over your kichen's stovetop
(taken from www.mediterannean-food-recipes.com)
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