FIVE REASONS WHY ITALIAN FOOD IS SO GOOD FOR YOU

Just last month, Italy was rated the healthiest country in the world and we’re not surprised why! Italy may be the country of pizza and pasta but combined with healthy fats, fresh produce and wholegrain food, the obesity rates are some of the lowest in the world.Take a look at why Italy ranks so highly:

  1. Fresh fruit and veg

There’s nothing better than knowing your tasty food that is good for you too and luckily that’s often the case when it comes to delicious Italian food. As you may have noticed from many Italian dishes, tomatoes are a staple food. Not only does a ripe tomato taste amazing, but they’re also a great source of Vitamin C and K, which keep your bones healthy and of course, provide our necessary dose of fibre. What’s great about fresh fruit and vegetables is that they provide so much versatility to your meals. You can keep them fresh, bake, grill or fry them!

  1. Olive Oil

Olive oil is a basic ingredient in Italian cuisine and is highly beneficial for your health. It’s loaded with antioxidants and healthy fats, which are crucial for a well-balanced diet. Olive oil is used in many Italian dishes, such as dressing the salad greens, pasta sauces and grilled meats.

  1. Garlic

At Cucina Rustica, we add garlic to as much food as possible – after all, it really gives that final touch to any Italian dish! Studies show that garlic is healthy for the heart and also prevents clotting. Garlic is an important ingredient used in many Italian dishes. Some Italian chefs even add a whole clove of garlic to olive oil before cooking, once it warms up, it releases the flavour into the oil which is perfect pour over grilled meat or fish!

  1. Seafood

Seafood in Italian diets is essential, not just because it tastes great and adds a wonderful flavour, but because it is super healthy too. Rich in omega-3, protein and a range of vitamins and minerals, seafood is the perfect addition to any salad or pasta dish. Remember, if you’re cooking at home, to triple check that your seafood is cooked through thoroughly.

  1. The good carbohydrates

We couldn’t finish this blog without including the main Italian ingredient. Pasta, is one of the most important Italian meals and is made from a range of whole grains. Not only is pasta is a good source of carbohydrates, which boost energy levels and speed up metabolism, but it is also a really easy ingredient to incorporate into meal times, whether you’re cooking for your whole family, a date night, or yourself – you can never go wrong with pasta!