Turkish Cuisine Offers Health Benefits You Probably Didn’t Know
Turkish cuisine is fundamentally healthy and is also very seasonal, with most dishes developed around the multitude of available fresh produce.
Fresh vegetables and fruits, meat, dairy, and eggs are produced all over the country, which ensures highly fresh tasting and nutritious food. The spices and flavors of Turkish cuisine are not just mouthwatering because they also offer antioxidant properties, boost immunity, eliminate toxins, and work to lower cholesterol levels.
Fresh herbs such as rosemary, parsley, and dill are usually used for flavoring dishes. Meanwhile, across the Aegean and regions with sparse inhabitants, wild herbs are in demand for their assumed medicinal and health properties. Spices such as ginger, sumac, and red pepper flakes are used to add flavor to dishes or just as homeopathic remedies by themselves.
By tradition, olive oil is used to preserve and cook dishes, offering essential trans fats and antioxidants. Fresh fish as well as other seafood also contribute to a healthy diet rich in essential fatty acids.
Below are other health benefits that Turkish cuisine has to offer so you can enjoy their sumptuous taste and their wellness properties.
Enjoyment
Without a doubt, food is essential in life so why not make it even better by sharing it with your loved ones and new friends. Turkey is a very welcoming and hospitable country. There is nothing more Turkish than gathering together to joke and share a good laugh over a meal prepared in an elaborate way.
There is an extensive selection of regional specialties all over Turkey that make the best out of fresh produce, traditional and wild spices and herbs, and olive oils produced locally.
Spices and Herbs
Turkish cooking uses plenty of fresh and leafy herbs rich in flavors that have health benefits at the same time. High in minerals and vitamins, wild herbs in Turkey have often been acclaimed thanks to their anti-inflammatory qualities. Into the Anatolia proper and across the Aegean, there are numerous regional herb varieties that are extremely valued and are often seen in spice shops or local markets.
Spice markets and spices are an integral aspect of Turkish cuisine, Turkish life as a whole. From Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar to home kitchens, spices are always present. Used as flavors, most spices are rich in minerals, vitamins, essential antioxidants, and also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger powder, chili powder, and cinnamon mixed with a bit of honey is a common homemade remedy for sore throat. It is a potent remedy that is quintessentially Turkish and makes use of ingredients that are already available in almost all homes, providing a sharp kick and a variety of minerals and vitamins with every bite.
By shopping from a Turkish market Los Angeles, you will get the chance to harness the amazing benefits that Turkish cuisine has to offer. When you get to enjoy freshly prepared Turkish dishes flavored with spices and herbs, you can expect to enjoy the health and wellness you have always wished for!