Turkish Cuisine: A Healthy Diet

The Turkish cuisine is known for being wholesome and highly seasonal, and many of its dishes feature seasonal produce. There is a wide range of fresh produce i.e. eggs, dairy products, and meats produced across the country, ensuring that the food served is nutritious and tastes great.

Not only is Turkish cuisine delicious, but its flavors and spices have antioxidant properties, which can reduce cholesterol, eliminate toxins, and increase immunity. The Aegean and other sparsely inhabited regions use wild herbs for their medicinal and health benefits.

Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and rosemary are often used to flavor dishes. Some spices, such as red pepper flakes, sumac, and ginger, are used for flavoring or as homeopathic remedies in themselves.

In traditional cuisine, olive oil provides antioxidants, essential trans fats and is used to cook and preserve the dish. A diet rich in essential fatty acids is made up of fresh fish and other seafood. Turkish cuisine has several health benefits.

Seasonal

Since Turkey has a large country and the majority of its population lives in cities, there is plenty of room to grow a wide variety of food. Various cuisines grow throughout Turkey, including many specialties that have been developed over the centuries.

 

During the warm summer hours, eggplants, tomato and peppers grow round and ripe under the sun. In the coastal regions of Anatolia, citrus, pomegranates and olives abound, while wheat and barley thrive in the valleys.

Because of the variety of fruits and vegetables, seasonal specialties are made throughout the year to welcome the changing seasons and promote optimal health.

Fresh herbs and spices

Fresh, leafy herbs make up much of Turkish cooking. These herbs are tasty and healthy while being rich in flavor. Turkish wild herbs possess anti-inflammatory properties because they are rich in vitamins and minerals.

You might spot local markets or spice shops (aktars) selling the highly prized herb varieties along the Aegean and into Anatolia.

In addition to Turkish food, spice markets are an integral part of Turkish culture. The spices used in the kitchen are ubiquitous, from the spice bazaars of Istanbul to the grocery stores.

Spices have a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and they are beneficial in reducing inflammation. Mixing ginger powder, cinnamon powder, and chili powder with honey is a typical home remedy for a sore throat.

With each bite, you get a sharp kick and a ton of vitamins and minerals from this zesty remedy that is typically found in Turkish homes.

Homemade

Nowhere is this truer than in Turkish culture, where the kitchen is the center of the home. Guests, family, and friends are invited to share Turkish cuisine with them.

Meals are normally prepared in large quantities, with a flurry of activity going on around them while they are being prepared. One of the secrets of many home cooks is homemade tomato sauce - there are no store-bought sauces in this house!

In Turkish culture, there is great emphasis on food and healthy eating, as evidenced by the love and care that goes into all ingredients. Throughout the country, you'll find numerous home cooking (ana yemekler) style restaurants offering the traditional flavors of Turkish Cuisine.

Olive Oil

As far as oils are concerned, keeping up with the latest trends can be difficult. An olive oil-rich diet makes it easier to maintain a healthy heart, healthy skin, and healthy hair. To preserve food and cook it in a healthy way, Turkish cakes are baked with olive oil instead of butter.

Researchers believe that olive oil can lower cholesterol, diabetes, and stroke risks, as well as possibly Alzheimer's. Despite their substantialness, Turkish food has a lightness to it thanks to olive oil (among other things), its delicate flavor letting the fresh produce work its magic.

Turkey's clear skin and long, luscious hair could be the result of the high antioxidant content of olive oil.

Veggies and Vegans

Several vegetarian and vegan dishes are common in Turkish cuisine. These dishes can be eaten on their own, with rice or grains, or accompanied by meat or fish.

Many people gather together to celebrate in large crowds, eating simply grilled or coal-fired lamb, beef, or fish. Fresh, seasonal produce is used to prepare the vegetable dishes, grain salads, mezes and other accompaniments.

Due to the ease of making and storing olive oil (rather than butter), many dishes contain it by their very nature and are therefore vegan friendly.

Having a good time

Why not share food with loved ones and new acquaintances? Food is an essential part of life, so why not share it with others? Türkiye is a country known for its warmth and hospitality.

The Turkish culture is devoted to sharing and laughing over elaborately prepared meals. Türkiye offers a diverse array of regional specialties made from the freshest, most natural ingredients and the best herbs, spices and olive oils.

Türkiye will make you feel radiant inside and out! The biggest health benefit that anybody could hope to achieve is that of sharing freshly prepared, flavored food!