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Fig – The Natural Way to Good Health

The fig occupies a high position among fruits. Soft, sweet and puply, this delicious fruit promotes health. It is a pear-shaped hollow fruit, with sugary pulp and a large number of small seeds of golden color sticking to the wall of the cavity. It is variable in size and color. The ripe fresh fruit is juicy, wholesome and delicious. However, being highly perishable, it if sold in the world markets in its dry form.

Origin and Distribution

The fig is a native of Asia Minor and spread early to the Mediterranean region. It is a plant of extremely ancient cultivation and was grown in Egypt around 4,000 BC. It has been used as a principal food in the Mediterranean countries for thousands of years. The main areas of fig cultivation in India are Pune in Maharashtra, Srirangapatnam in Karnataka, Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh and parts of Gujarat.

Food Value Continue reading “Fig – The Natural Way to Good Health”

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Which Cooking Oil Shall I Use?

Most contemporary recipes call for “Extra Virgin Olive Oil,” in a vain attempt to appear “healthy,” “wholesome,” and “chic”.

I select my cooking oils according to what I’m preparing.

If I’m sautéing, searing, or wok stir-frying, I use oils that have high smoke points.

What is a smoke point?

Each oil has its own “smoke point,” which is the temperature where the oil begins to break down. Always select an oil that has a higher smoke point than whatever temperature you’re going to be cooking at. Continue reading “Which Cooking Oil Shall I Use?”

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Mediterranean Gazpacho Soup

Gazpacho originated in southern Spain. It is a cold soup and requires no cooking. Moreover, it is cholesterol free, low in calories and high in vitamin C.

The main ingredient of Gazpacho is tomato, which grows in abundance in southern Spain. But as you might imagine, being Spanish in origin, it also contains onions, garlic and olive oil. Again, these are readily available and, of course, inexpensive.

Tomatoes provide the sweetness, as well has being high in vitamin C, and paprika gives the soup a bit of spice. Continue reading “Mediterranean Gazpacho Soup”

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Dining in Sliema, Malta

Apart from all its charm, Malta draws in travelers for its multiple cuisines derived from different cultures. With an aroma of Mediterranean cuisine combined with the influence of Sicilian and North African dishes, the culture of this island is intertwined with its food. Therefore despite serving dishes of various other countries, the local food items of Malta have not lost their essence.

The fertile soils of the land ensure the production and delivery of an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables to the restaurants in Sliema Malta. They are sold at reasonable prices by green grocers who often set up their shops at the side of main roads as well as around the towns and villages. Continue reading “Dining in Sliema, Malta”

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Olive Leaf Tea Health Benefits Revealed – The Secret Behind the Success of the Mediterranean Diet

Never heard of or experienced the taste of olive leaf tea? You are not alone. This pleasant tasting tea is not a common staple in tea houses or stores. But, it should be. The olive leaf has been a diet staple in many Mediterranean cultures for centuries. These same cultures enjoy a low incidence of viruses, heart conditions and cancers. We all have heard researchers, scientists and nutritionists promote the health benefits of olive oil and the Mediterranean diet.

What they do not tell you is that you can enjoy the health benefits of the olive leaf in a wonderfully pleasant tea as well. For those that are counting their fat grams and calories, this is way to enjoy the health benefits of the essential oils in olive leaf without the fat. Continue reading “Olive Leaf Tea Health Benefits Revealed – The Secret Behind the Success of the Mediterranean Diet”

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Properly Seasoning a Wok – Method 1

I enjoy Oriental cooking. I especially enjoy cooking Oriental cooking in a well-seasoned wok. Not only is it the ultimate “One Pan” cooking experience, the cleanup is easy, quick, and convenient.

I repeat: To achieve that level of performance, one must have a well-seasoned wok.

My other article in this series: “Properly Seasoning a Wok – Method 2” spells out an advanced way to season a wok, but it is not entirely suitable for all. The method does generate a considerable amount of smoke, which in a small apartment could be uncomfortable (smoke alarms are definitely noisy little wonders). I did try using an outdoor grill, and had moderate success. Continue reading “Properly Seasoning a Wok – Method 1”

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Yogurt Cacik and Raki Alkol

Yogurt Cacik is a meze mainly made by Turks and Greeks. It is usually eaten as appetizer with food with strong alcohol named Raki Alkol or Uozo. I use Danon yogurt and Yeni Raki for this combination mix.

1 lbs Danon Reduced Fat Plain Yogurt
2 Cucumbers
Salt
Olive Oil
Fresh Dill
Dry Red Pepper

Dump Yogurt into a medium pot. Add salt and mix with spoon to until the salt is all saturated. Continue reading “Yogurt Cacik and Raki Alkol”

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Body Building and The Mediterranean Diet

The Seven Basic Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet in Body Building

Introduction

As we move forward into the 21st century, more and more men and women are involving themselves in body building. In order to be successful at body building, a person needs to coordinate an ambitious exercise routine with an appropriate diet regimen. In the end, body building success depends as much upon what you do with your body in a gym as it does with what you put into your body at home.

Certain diet routines and plans have proven to be beneficial directly to the goals of body builders. One regimen that contains the elements of health eating that are essential for a dedicated body builder is found in the Mediterranean diet.

The Mediterranean diet is a perfect choice for an ardent body builder for seven basic reasons. Continue reading “Body Building and The Mediterranean Diet”

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Quick and Easy Crockpot Dishes For The Whole Family

There’s nothing better than enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal with the people you love. If you want to cook something special for the whole family for lunch or dinner, take out your slow cooker and let it do its magic. Start with any of these quick and easy crockpot dishes!

Mediterranean Style Artichoke and Beef

What you need:

  • 1 kilogram stewing beef
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and halved
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Continue reading “Quick and Easy Crockpot Dishes For The Whole Family”

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Why the Mediterranean Diet Is Good for You

The Mediterranean Diet has been widely recommended by nutritionists and medical professionals for many years now thanks to all of the health benefits the diet provides. It is also a largely preferred diet by people of all ages because of the delicious and inexpensive options this diet provides. However, for elderly and senior participants, the Mediterranean Diet has many pros such as decreasing the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.

How Has It Been Studied?

Back in 1980, a professor by the name of Ancel Keys investigated heart-related deaths in many different countries. Keys found that cardiovascular-related deaths were much higher in Greece, Italy, and Japan while they were much greater in the United States and Finland. The Mediterranean lifestyle and diet were then investigated in hopes of better understanding why people in this area lived longer and healthier. It was concluded that diet played a large role.

What Does It Include? Continue reading “Why the Mediterranean Diet Is Good for You”