Category: Mediterranean culture

In Crete, a region celebrated as a 'Blue Zone' for its longevity-promoting lifestyle, raki is frequently enjoyed as part of a balanced diet and social life. While excessive alcohol consumption is harmful, local tradition and some studies suggest moderate intake of raki may offer certain health benefits. This article explores the cultural and potential health-related reasons behind this popular belief.

Modern scientific consensus rejects the concept of a single 'Mediterranean race' in a biological sense, instead recognizing the immense genetic and ethnic diversity that has evolved in the region for millennia. This makes defining what ethnicity is Mediterranean impossible, as it refers to a geographic area and its varied, multi-ethnic population.

Archaeological evidence and ancient texts confirm that grains like barley and wheat formed the foundation of the ancient Greek diet. So, did ancient Greeks eat carbs? The answer is a resounding yes, and their carbohydrate sources were integral to their civilization.