Welcome to Day #12! Drink Herbal Teas

Today I want to focus on herbs. I find they are a bit overlooked in terms of health benefits, but they are in fact an important aspect of the Mediterranean diet.

Drinking Herbs

Herbs are used in cooking, but drinking them is a significant part of the Mediterranean Diet.

This is an age-old practice which studies have shown can contribute to the longevity seen in these areas. Analysis of these herbal teas shows that they are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

The key here is that herbal tea is consumed every day not only when you are feeling under the weather. These teas also offer relief from coughs, sore throat, stomach aches and also count towards your hydration needs.

They are consumed usually twice a day. I suggest midmorning and afternoon or evening. I generally consume them plain without sweeteners, and sometimes with a bit of honey when I have a sore throat.

Mediterranean Herbal Teas

• Mountain Tea (also known as sideritis or ironwart)
• Chamomile
• Linden
• Sage
• Oregano

Cooking with herbs

Herbs are everywhere in the Mediterranean diet and are used generously! They are added in meat dishes, vegetables, dips, soups and of course salads. They are a source of antioxidants and when combined with other ingredients such as olive oil, legumes and vegetables there is a nutritional interaction that increases their antioxidant activity even more.

Mediterranean Herbs for Cooking

• Parsley: Very versatile, can be added almost everywhere; in stews, meats, soups, pasta and grains
• Basil: A key ingredient in pasta sauce, pairs perfectly with tomatoes, used for pesto, in salads, as a topping on toasts and pizza. Can accompany lemonade and watermelon.
• Oregano (Dry): One of the most popular herbs, pairs well with olive oil, lemon, tomatoes, potatoes, chicken, red meats.
• Mint: Used in almost all ground meat recipes and in savory pies. Pairs well with feta.
• Dill: Pairs well with yogurt (used in tzatziki), savory pies filled with greens- pites, spinach, lemon, lettuce and seafood.

Make a conscious effort to include more herbs in your diet. Here are a few recipes that showcase herbs.

Today’s New Challenge: Drink 2 Herbal Teas

Herbal Mediterranean Recipes

Zucchini Patties with Feta and Herbs

These unbelievable delicious traditional Greek zucchini patties are made with plenty of herbs and feta and are so easy to make.

 >>> Click here for recipe

Cool Tzatziki Cucumber Salad

This is the easiest and most refreshing cucumber salad you will ever make. A tzatziki style dressing gives it that extra punch.

>>> Click here for recipe

Quick and Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

Juicy stuffed mushrooms with a herbal, crunchy, mediterranean inspired filling.

>>> Click here for recipe

Greek Island Parsley - Garlic Dip

This super-easy, flavorful parsley recipe is perfect as a dip or as a sauce for pasta and meat.

>>> Click here for recipe

Greek Style Herb Roasted Olives

Get a burst of olive flavor with these simple- to- make appetizers.

>>> Click here for recipe

Alright we'll see you tomorrow!