MENU Healthy diet “Let food be thy medicine and let thy medicine be food” - Hippocrates The Greek island of Crete has always been identified with healing and regeneration – its diet promotes health and longevity. In search of the ideal diet which would improve one’s health, ward off illness and optimize our functioning, the Cretan diet has been pin pointed as being just the right one to follow. The term ‘diet’ of course is used not as a diet to follow in order to lose or gain weight but rather a lifestyle which encapsulates the way in which we achieve well-being. This lifestyle, a deeply cultural act, includes foods, drinks and activities. Several studies on the traditional Cretan diet have shown that the population of Crete enjoys the longest life span and have the lowest percentage of death caused by heart attacks and of various kinds of cancer. The Cretan diet is a simple, wholesome diet including cereals, nuts, an abundance of fresh/seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as local extra virgin olive oil. Consumption of dairy products (milk, cheese), eggs, fish, red wine and red meat is limited. A fact not to be underestimated is that this diet consists almost exclusively of products that the locals produce naturally within an ideal climate conditions. Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids Cretan olive oil (‘liquid gold’ as Homer puts it) plays an imperative role to this diet and to overall well-being. It is these monounsaturated fatty acids which reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol (which in turn protects against atherosclerosis). Assessing the diet in a holistic fashion allows us to understand that dietary variables must be considered within the context in which they present themselves. The protective effects of eating organic fruits and vegetables, beef, chicken, lamb, rabbit, fish or eggs from truly free ranging livestock is of prime importance. Wild greens, herbs, Purslane, mountain teas (such as ‘malotira’) and wild mountain snails (which surface after rain) are elsewhere difficult to procure while here on Crete, we grow these ourselves in our gardens, forage from our natural surroundings and have them readily available at the local store. Farmers’ markets, which take place no less than three times a week, are also an effortless way to obtain the freshest produce. It is not only the unique taste and quality of Cretan products but also their combination, which gives enormous nutritional value and can be found in every Cretan dish. Without sacrificing good nutrition and above all taste, the Cretan diet is a heart healthy eating pattern which is about much more than just food. It is a way of living and a philosophy which creates harmony between the mind, body and nature. Why we recommend Crete Strong local culture Breathtaking landscape Hospitality Mild Winters Healthy diet Must - see places Useful info Why we recommend Crete It is an established fact that over the last years amount of tourists visiting region of Chania, Crete has increased greatly, making this wonderful Venetian town and its surroundings one of the top destinations in Greece amongst such popular places as Athens, Santorini and Mykonos. People are coming here to spend great time and to visit spectacular sights like bay of Balos, pink-sand beaches of Elafonissi or trek down the Samaria gorge, the biggest in Europe Read more Find us Address: 1st Km New National Road, Mournies - Chania, Crete, Greece & Deinokratoys 64 & Iatridi, Athens, Greece Phone: 0030 2821047000 Fax: 0030 2821047001 Email: info@hellenichomes.com 1st Km New National Road, Mournies - Chania, Crete, Greece & Deinokratoys 64 & Iatridi, Athens, Greece Telephone: 0030 28210 47000 Fax: 0030 28210 47001 Email: info@hellenichomes.com Cookies Policy: our site uses cookies to deliver a better and more personalized service to users. If you continue to use this website, this will constitute your consent to the use of cookies and you accept the policy of using your data. Accept Read more Change Settings