The father of medicine, Hippocrates, was reported to say that ( make your food your medicine) of which those are my exact sentiments. And along the way, there have been many other phrases attributed to food and health such as (you are what you eat) and so forth. However, in a recent episode, my guest from Europe had a high intolerance to gluten found in wheat and other food products that caused her to have severe health issues, and you must wonder what has changed in the production of grains during the last 50 years of cross-pollinating grain. In recent years, people affected by celiac disorders attributed to wheat allergy or gluten or wheat sensitivity have risen exponentially causing illness after eating gluten leaving many feelings bloated, tired or much worse. Could it be possible that modern wheat varieties contain mor of the stuff that causes an immune reaction than in the past? New research is assisting to answer this question, so the verdict is still out. My personal view, however, is that the production of grains has changed when you consider these immune disorders skyrocketed sharply after grains were tampered with in the lab. And since corn was first introduced with genetic modification in 1994, genetically modified crops such as wheat, soybean, and tomatoes have become the norm, but it has left me scratching my head as to its effect on you and me. Of course, I am not a chemist by any stretch, but it is highly suspicious when we compare it to ancient foods. In ancient biblical times, grains were a significant part of a person's daily diet beginning from Genesis through the book of Revelation. Incidentally, Psalm 81:16 says in part "But he will feed you with the finest wheat" which should remind us that the Mediterranean diet has been known to be the optimal culinary cuisine for good health. Therefore, in this article I would like to expand on the benefits of this regional staple food.
When we consider wheat berries are jam packed with iron, magnesium, phosphorous, copper, manganese, and selenium, we cannot ignore its nutritional value. During the Covid, zinc was recommended strongly to boost your immune system. The much needed and essential oil of vitamin E also protects against, particularly, with breast and stomach cancers. There has been lots written where vitamins B help prevent depression and mitigate anxiety. It is no wonder in ancient biblical time bread was referred as the bread of life, however, today unfortunately, we must cautiously break bread together. Additionally, the barley grain has the reputation of being an anti-inflammatory, protects and strengthens the barrier in our digestive lining as a defense against invaders and leaky gut syndrome. Barley also can mitigate heart disease by its antioxidant and contains lignan oil, which is known to prevent blood clots, build great hair, radiant skin, and not to mention helps the body extract itself of kidney stones. Barley is a grain that gets mostly ignored by food lovers, yet it is one of the desired parts of Modern Mediterranean cuisine. It can be applied in soups and in fresh salads. Have you ever heard of barley grits? Another case in point, growing up my dad was a viticulturist, in other words, he grew wine grapes, however, what I find so ironic, he never sat down to enjoy a glass of wine like I occasionally do. My paternal side of my family come from northern Italy, the Mediterranean region, which explains the interest in grapes. Talking about gladdening your little heart! The grape juice and skin of one variety, the muscadine, which was one of the varieties my dad grew, has demonstrated to prevent plaque on the arteries and prevents DNA harm, which translates into helping people appear youthful longer. Let us admit it, who does not want to look younger? Grapes are a common fruit in our diets today and here are some fun ways to enjoy this delicious Mediterranean fruit. They make for a fast snack on the run, can be dipped in yogurt, or as raisins with a hand full of an assortment of nuts of which I enjoy every morning for my breakfast with a cup of coffee. I know, it is a little weird, but it puts me on top of the world! And I am certain you can produce some more innovative ways to apply grapes in your diet. Figs are another excellent fruit for our health to lessen the possibility of diabetes. From a Nutritional standpoint, figs do an excellent job of nourishing our cellular system. The fiber in figs balances blood sugars and promotes the sensation of being satiated, thus, you will eat less. This mouthwatering fruit is high in calcium that strengthens childhood bones and sustains bone density in us adults. They also contain elevated levels of potassium, which helps manage blood pressure, and iron, which as we know prevents anemia. They even have a high content of B6, an important vitamin that prevents cognitive loss and regulates stress levels. Let us move on to a fruit that encroaches over into my backyard which we enjoy, and it is the pomegranate. In Ancient Israel, the pomegranate was looked upon as the most beautiful fruit due to its color and shape, a royalty fruit, and were carved into the front of the pillars outside Salomon's temple doors. They were often associated with the vine and the fig tree because of its nutritional value, and contemporarily speaking, it is a popular fruit even today in Israel. The pomegranate contains nutritional properties that promote healthy youthful skin and sun protection. It is also an anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogen, good for the heart, good for our vision which is too late for me and prevents the buildup of plaque on teeth. I know of a good friend who lately made pomegranate wine, you can make juice, enjoy the seeds in salads and enjoy them in so many other creative ways. Another highly regarded fruit in the Mediterranean region and still is, is the olive fruit. Olives, like the other fruits, olives are incredibly nutritious, rich in phytonutrients which constantly attack all inflammation in the body. Olives guard against the production of inflammation and induces fast recovery and removes inflammation, lowers cholesterol, protects cellular structure, increases glutathione, the master antioxidant of our body, and this fruit is considered the queen of antioxidants. The final fruit I want to touch on is the date, of which I delightfully remembered we have some in the cupboard. In biblical times dates were used to make honey and today they are a great substitute for processed sugars and can be used in most recipes. In fact, nutritional studies connect the elevated levels of fiber content in dates to reducing the rate of certain cancers, like pancreatic and stomach cancers. Because of their nutritional value in vitamins and minerals, they are a super food for strengthening muscle, eliminating digestive disorders, it balances the nervous system, it lowers LDL Cholesterol, in which case, it will have a positive effect on your heart. The date fruit overflows with nutrients, such as potassium, vitamins C, most of the B vitamins that prevent depression, it promotes happiness, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, necessary oils, and beta carotene. In fact, the Bedouin people, desert dwellers, survive for months strictly on date and wash it down with camel’s milk. Yummy! We have been talking about the value of adopting more of a Mediterranean diet for our health and there is much more we can add to this special cuisine. How about meat? In this country, beef, pork and the processed thereof is part of the American diet, but what is preferred in the middle eastern region? We have read that in ancient times quail meat was part of their diet, however, turkey meat, in nutritional comparison to quail, Quail meat, out does turkey in copper, iron, vitamin B1, phosphorus, vitamin C, and vitamin A. But to be fair with turkey meat, turkey has more in Vitamin B12, Selenium, and Vitamin B3, so you have a choice. Have you had lamb for dinner lately? Could Lamb be Healthier Than Beef? Did you know lamb has 30% more selenium than beef, which is essential for our immune system and cognitive health? Many will agree that the shoulder is preferred because This part of the lamb works the hardest, therefore, the meat from this part of the animal has the most favorable marbling. And like everything else, we have choices in the culinary world, but let us think beyond our taste receptors, but more importantly, however, let us think more of the benefits to our health.
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