18 Greek recipes - the nutritional value of the Mediterranean... by Dimitris Bertzeletos

The practice has been apparent in many cultures all over the world. ' Vegetarianism has very ancient roots and its history comprises many diverse characters and events. ' Modern concise Oxford dictionary defines a vegetarian to be 'a person who doesn't eat meat or fish for moral, religious, or health reasons. Vegetarian has its origin in the Latin word 'vigitore' meaning 'to give strength and health.

Whether dietary melatonin constitutes an alternative preventive treatment for cardiovascular disease is addressed.

Current knowledge on the biological significance as well as the underlying physiological mechanism of action of the dietary melatonin is also summarized. In the present review, evidence for the cardiovascular health benefits of melatonin supplementation and the dietary melatonin is discussed. While numerous actions of both endogenous melatonin and melatonin supplementation are well described, little is known about the influence of the dietary melatonin intake on human health. Convincing evidence supports the presence of melatonin in plants and foods with the intake of such foods affecting circulating melatonin levels in humans. Apart from its sleep regulatory effect, the indoleamine melatonin is a well-established antioxidant molecule with multiple health benefits. The role of the diet as well as the impact of the dietary habits on human health and disease is well established. As a whole, Plato's writings represent a valuable source for the study of the nutritional customs during the classical period of ancient Greece. The dietary pattern presented in Platonic dialogues shares many common components with the highly-reputed Mediterranean diet. Plato considers physicians responsible for the regulation of human diet, for medicine is a science and not merely an art as in the case of cookery. Excesses in food lead to ailments and therefore should be avoided. However, meat, confectionery and wine should be consumed only in moderate quantities. According to the philosopher, a moderate and thus a healthy diet, consists of cereals, legumes, fruits, milk, honey and fish. This spirit is characteristically evident in his references to human diet.

Among other philosophical concepts, Plato's works are imbued with the fundamental principle of moderation. His teachings extend to almost every single field of human knowledge. Plato (5th-4th century BC), one of the most important philosophers of Greek antiquity, left a valuable spiritual heritage, compiled in his famous dialogues.

18 Greek recipes - the nutritional value of the Mediterranean... by Dimitris Bertzeletos