European Health - The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is known to be good for you - but as with most diets there can be a misconception that it's expensive to follow.

But often a shopping expedition to a pharmacy or health food store isn't always necessary. When the growing season is in full bloom, there are often many opportunities to source your nutrition from the wild. This is certainly the case when it comes to dandelion and nettles. As a low cost alternative to supplements, they're vitamins and minerals in unadulterated form.

Dandelion has a rich history as a nutritious food with medicinal properties. The word "dandelion" comes from the French "dent de lion" or "lion's tooth." This is in reference to the plants leaves, which have jagged-edged.

The official name for the flowering plant is Taraxacum from the Asteraceae family. The word Taraxacum has its basis in the Greek language, and its definition is "remedy for disorders."

The dandelion is native to Europe and Asia, with two species found as weeds globally. Common in the northern temperate zone, dandelions grow in pastures and meadows, on waste ground and by roadsides.

The head of a dandelion is actually a small cluster of yellow flowers. Being plenteous, it's no wonder the plant came into wide usage in the past and continues so today.

Concerning nettles, there are numerous species of the plant. However, Stinging nettle (officially called Urtica dioica) is the perennial flowering plant used as nutritious food. Native to Europe, Asia, northern Africa and North America, it also goes by the name "common nettle."

Stinging nettle grows between 3 to 7 feet in height during the summer. It has soft green leaves with edges that resemble a serrated knife. The leaves and stems have non-stinging hairs and many stinging hairs. The chemical compounds in hairs that come off when touched emit chemicals that cause a sting, hence the name.

Today there is much concern about unhealthy fats in one's diet. Many are espousing the benefits of a Mediterranean diet instead. Common fare for people of this region includes plenty of green vegetables, fresh fruit, fish and the use of olive oil.

Dandelions traditionally find themselves as salad greens in the Mediterranean diet. Stinging nettle, with a flavour akin to spinach, is also becoming more popular as a side dish.

Always experimenting with culinary delights, the Mediterranean diet now includes different recipes using dandelion and stinging nettle. In culinary concoctions, dandelion leaves are becoming more prevalent on restaurant menus. They are a part of braised dishes and salad dishes. As a leafy green vegetable, stinging nettle finds use as a flavoring in some Gouda cheeses. It also makes a substantial soup and is rich in protein.

The medicinal uses of dandelion and stinging nettle are plentiful. After washing them well, you can boil both of these plants. Next, you infuse them to make a rich tea full of vitamins and minerals.

Dandelion finds use mainly for disorders related to the liver. This includes congestion and inflammation, cirrhosis, hepatitis and jaundice. It also includes gallstones and bile-duct inflammation. In addition, dandelion has diuretic properties.

The stinging nettle has cleansing and strengthening nutrients. A quality remedy for hay fever, asthma and eczema, they have a strong anti-allergenic effect. Some hair shampoos contain nettle to control dandruff and to give hair shine.

Legend has it that dandelions were responsible for saving a people from a famine. This was on the Mediterranean island of Menorca. Stories of old speak of how a plague of locusts on the island consumed virtually most of the plant life on Menorca. The residents of the island survived for almost a year by eating dandelion root.

One of Spain's Balearic Islands, Menorca sits between Spain and the North African coast, and better known is it's sister island of Majorca - and the Mediterannean diet is served as an option at many of the Majorca hotels

It's not surprising, to this day, to find dandelion in Mediterranean dishes in homes and restaurants on Menorca and Majorca. Along with its healthy Mediterranean cuisine, the island offers sun, sand and siestas by the sea.

Menorca is home to more than 120 beaches. Water and water sports abound on the island. Holidaymakers who travel to Menorca can enjoy a host of activities and good eating in places such as Mahon, the island's capital, and enjoy the Mediterranean diet first hand.

About the Author

Tribune Properties run a series of Mediterranean holiday travel sites, including for those who want a cheap holiday to Majorca at yourmajorca.net and included are travel resources to help guide those thinking of having a villa holiday with specialists promoting Majorca holiday villas

Author (Osborne). Submitted on Thu, 3 Jun 2010 Time: 9:01 PM

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