You know, at Demain® , we want to eat healthy ! Healthy food to preserve our health and the quality of our skin!
Indeed, when we know that 80% of the nutrients used by our skin come from food, we understand the importance of a balanced diet rich in vitamins, fibres, proteins and vegetable oils. We present to you the famous Cretan diet!
WHAT IS THE CRETAN DIET?
The Cretan diet is directly inspired by the eating habits traditionally enjoyed by people around the Mediterranean.
It promotes a plant-based diet associated with quality fats and whole grains. On the contrary, red meat, sugar and industrial products have a very limited place.
Here is the list of favored foods in this diet:
- Whole Grain Products,
- Abundance of garlic, onion, spices and herbs,
- Use of olive and rapeseed oil as fats,
- Daily consumption of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, yogurt and sheep's cheese (but no milk) and fish,
- Conversely, limit your consumption of chicken, eggs, red meats and sugary foods.
THE BENEFITS OF THE CRETAN DIET
This diet has been known for decades to lengthen life expectancy by protecting against cardiovascular disease and the risk of cancer.
High in fat unsaturated of quality, and having an exceptional contribution in antioxidants it promotes the maintenance of a young and healthy body and skin.
Extremely rich in fiber, it also acts on our digestive system by promoting good digestion and therefore has a role in the radiance of our skin!
Finally, its richness in vitamins and carotene gives us the peach and a mine of hell!
STRENGTHEN OUR MICROBIOME
We also know today that fiber intake (therefore in prebiotics) of the Cretan diet strengthens our microbiome, all the good bacteria in charge of our immune system.
From there to imagine a causal link with the health benefits mentioned above… Let the scientists decide. It would be interesting to study...
Psst THE food supplements Tomorrow® are also a source of prebiotics!
THE CRETAN DIET IS GOOD FOR MORALE
But this diet is also good for morale! In fact, after reviewing 41 studies published over the past 8 years, British metabolic medicine specialists claim that a diet of fruit, vegetables, cereals, fish, nuts and olive oil would have beneficial effects on the mood.
In effect, studies have shown that the diet DASH ( Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) was perfect for reducing the risk of depression, as well than a diet high in seafood .
This new study from the University college from London (Britain) shows that people who have a diet similar to the Mediterranean diet are 33% less likely to suffer from mental disorders. This would be due to the fact that this diet reduces intestinal inflammation, which would have the effect of improving mood.
Our opinion is that a diet rich in vitamins, colors and Mediterranean flavors already contributes to a good mood.
BENEFICIAL FOR KEEPING THE LINE
This is not the main reason why we are telling you about it, because the Cretan diet is above all good for your health.
But it is clear that a balanced diet, rich in fresh products and raw foods can help some people lose a few pounds, because it allows them to adjust their diet by avoiding the superfluous.
This diet is also the one that comes closest to the recommendations of the National Health Nutrition Program (PNNS).
GOOD FOR THE PLANET
Finally, the Cretan diet, favoring a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, unprocessed and low in animal protein, is necessarily good for the planet!
First, because it encourages us to cook with local and seasonal ingredients. And also because by reducing our meat consumption, it indirectly reduces CO2 emissions, water consumption, pesticide consumption and leaves arable land for human food.
For all these reasons, we can only encourage you to favor the Cretan diet in your food choices!
RECIPE OF THE DAY: SICILIAN CAPONATA
There caponata is a typical Sicilian dish made with aubergines, the region's flagship vegetable, onions, tomatoes, capers and olives.
Very rich in flavors, it is a dish very popular during the summer period, because it is generally eaten cold.
Did you know ? It exists so many recipes caponata that of mom Italian! Indeed, there is not really an "original recipe" since each city, and even each family has its own recipe, which it passes on from generation to generation.
Zoom on the caponata Sicilian.
Virgin olive oil (2 tbsp)
A large organic eggplant
An organic red pepper
2 teaspoons dried oregano
Half a teaspoon of chilli flakes
Organic garlic cloves (2)
Small organic onion
Pinch of parsley
Handful of mint leaves
Ripe organic tomatoes (3 or 4)
250g green olives
4 tablespoons of capers
Cider vinegar (2 tablespoons)
HOW TO PREPARE A SICILIAN CAPONATA
Split the pepper in half and remove the seeds.
Peel and finely chop the garlic and onion.
Cut the tomatoes into large chunks and pit the olives.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet.
Brown the aubergine, bell pepper, oregano and chilli for 5 minutes over medium heat , stirring occasionally. When the eggplant and pepper are golden on all sides, add garlic, onion, and chopped herbs (keeping a small part to decorate) . Continue cooking for 3 minutes, stirring and adding a little oil if necessary.
Add the tomatoes, olives, capers and vinegar and simmer for around 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Leave to cool for an hour.
Serve garnished with herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
Can be eaten hot or cold, on its own or with a fresh salad, toasted wholemeal bread, pasta or brown rice.
Bon appetit !!!
